Ectopic Pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy is a condition in which a pregnancy develops inside of a Fallopian tube or outside of a woman's uterus. Causes
and risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include previous Fallopian tube infections (pelvic inflammatory disease,
Chlamydia,
gonorrhea),
previous surgery to the abdomen, use of
fertility medications,
prior
tubal pregnancy, and
use of an
IUD. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. If you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy, medical care should be sought urgently.
Must Read Articles:
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Vaginal Bleeding
Learn about what causes abnormal vaginal bleeding (spotting in between periods), including hormonal disorders, benign or malignant tumors, blood clotting disorders, certain medications, and infections. -
Pregnancy, Bleeding
Bleeding during all phases of pregnancy may be dangerous, even though it can be caused by a large variety of factors. You should call your health care professional if you have any signs of vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy. -
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial sexual transmitted disease (STD) spread when people have sexual relations. Often, there are no symptoms. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is transmitted either from person to person through sexual contact (oral, anal, or vaginal); or from mother to child during birth. Symptoms of chlamydia may vary in men and women. Treatment is generally through antibiotics. -
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which may be transmitted through contact with genital fluids. Symptoms of gonorrhea may be different in men, and women. Treatment includes prescription antibiotics like ceftriaxone, Cipro, azithromycin and others, which cure the infection. -
Miscarriage
A miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) is a pregnancy that spontaneously ends before the fetus can survive. There are classifications of miscarriage that include threatened, inevitable, incomplete, and complete miscarriage. There are a variety of causes of a miscarriage. Causes of miscarriage include defective genes of the fetus, chronic illness, including diabetes, severe high blood pressure, kidney disease, lupus, and underactive or overactive thyroid gland, acute infections, including Germany measles, CMV, and mycoplasma (walking pneumonia), diseases and abnormalities of the internal female organs, and other factors, including certain drugs like alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine. Symptoms and signs of a miscarriage are vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and cramping. If a woman thinks she may be having a miscarriage, she should seek medical care with her doctor or go to an emergency department. -
Pregnancy, Vomiting
Morning sickness, or vomiting during pregnancy, is very common during the first three months of pregnancy. "Morning sickness" does not mean that nausea and vomiting only occur in the morning; symptoms can occur at any time of day. Talk with your doctor if you have persistent vomiting and/or nausea during pregnancy. -
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of a woman's reproductive organs (cervicitis, salpingitis, endometritis, and peritonitis) is an STD caused by either the Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. Symptoms of PID include abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, heavy vaginal discharge, painful urination, or painful intercourse. Treatment is generally with antibiotics or surgery. -
Pregnancy Planning
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy-induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy. -
Pregnancy Week by Week
Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, grows inside a woman's uterus (womb), and develops into a baby. In humans, this process takes about 280 days. -
Pregnancy Symptoms
The symptoms of early pregnancy a pregnant woman may experience include missed periods, abdominal bloating, nausea and vomiting, breast tenderness and pain, food cravings, fatigue, frequent urination, elevated body temperature, changes in nipple color, darkening of the skin (melasma), mood swings, stress, headaches, and other symptoms.
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Ectopic Pregnancy Topic Guide - Visuals
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Ectopic Pregnancy Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
Methotrexate (injection)Methotrexate is used to treat leukemia and certain types of cancer of the breast, skin, head and neck, or lung...learn more »
Ectopic Pregnancy Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activit...learn more »
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease in which abnormal endometrial cells grow outside of the uterus and other organs commonly found in the pelvic area. Some women with...
learn more »
Ultrasound
Ultrasound (sonography, Doppler study) is a non-invasive diagnostic medical procedure performed to exam the internal organs and tissues of the body. There are s...learn more »
Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
IUDs (intrauterine devices) are small T-shaped plastic devices that is placed in the uterus for birth control. Currently in the United States, two types of IUDs...learn more »
Adhesions, General and After Surgery
Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form over organs. Adhesions can occur in the abdomen, pelvic region, or around the heart. Adhesions generally do not cau...learn more »
Tubal Sterilization
Tubal ligation (tubal sterilization or tubes tied) is a surgical procedure to block a woman's Fallopian tubes. There are few risks with tubal ligation, however,...learn more »
Threatened Miscarriage
A threatened miscarriage is any vaginal bleeding other than spotting during early pregnancy. There may be causes for a threatened miscarriage such as an abnorma...learn more »