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May 25, 2013
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Ectopic Pregnancy (cont.)

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Ectopic Pregnancy Causes

Ectopic pregnancy is caused when a fertilized egg lodges in a Fallopian tube or other location instead of continuing its journey to the uterus, where it is supposed to implant. The egg can become stuck when a Fallopian tube is damaged, scarred, or distorted. Common conditions that increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy include the following:

  • Previous tube infections (salpingitis), such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chlamydia, and gonorrhea
  • Previous surgery inside the abdomen, especially involving the Fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, lower abdomen, or bowels (Local surgery to the outside of the cervix is not a risk factor.)
  • Use of fertility medications at the time of conception
  • Prior history of tubal pregnancy
  • The use of an intrauterine device (IUD) does not increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. However, a normal pregnancy is unlikely with an IUD in place, so if a woman becomes pregnant while using an IUD, it is more likely the pregnancy is not inside the uterus.

Picture of an ectopic pregnancy

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Ectopic Pregnancy - Cause

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Ectopic pregnancy presents a major health problem for women of childbearing age.

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