An ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of an egg (fertilized) outside the uterus, generally in the fallopian tube. The fallopian tube does not function to sustain embryo growth. Such an abnormal pregnancy can cause bleeding in the would-be mother. Ectopic pregnancy poses a critical danger to life so it demands immediate medical care. Understanding ectopic pregnancy symptoms is essential to perform timely diagnosis and necessary treatment.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy refers to a pregnancy occurring in a location other than the uterus. The fertilized egg attaches to a site that can not support its growth. An ectopic pregnancy generally occurs within a fallopian tube. In rare cases, ectopic pregnancies happen in the ovary, abdominal cavity, or cervical tissue. A pregnancy cannot proceed when it exists outside the uterus because only a uterus can carry a pregnancy.
An emergency condition arises from ectopic pregnancies because a fallopian tube rupture may result in fatal complications. The condition represents a ruptured ectopic pregnancy that leads to heavy bleeding and dangerous infections which occasionally prove fatal. This is a medical emergency. Medical care professionals need to handle ectopic pregnancies as soon as possible.
What Are the Potential Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms?
People experiencing an ectopic pregnancy may notice symptoms that also occur in regular pregnancies during the early stages. You may find these additional symptoms during an ectopic pregnancy:
- Bleeding in the vagina
- Feeling pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, and lower back.
- Feeling dizzy or weak.
A fallopian tube rupture during pregnancy will generate extensive pain and bleeding which can bring extra symptoms to your condition. These can include:
- Fainting.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
- Shoulder pain.
- Rectal pressure or bowel problems.
A tube burst may lead to rapid intense pain which develops in your lower abdomen. This is a medical emergency. Get in touch with a doctor immediately if you find these ectopic pregnancy symptoms.
What Causes an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Most cases of ectopic pregnancy happen because of slow or blocked movement of the egg through your fallopian tube. This could happen if you have the following:
- You have scar tissue, pelvic surgery-related adhesions, or inflammation.
- Damage to your fallopian tubes exists due to sexually transmitted infections.
- You were born with an uncommonly shaped fallopian tube.
- The growth interferes with the movement of your fallopian tube.
Who is At Risk for an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Every sexually active female has some potential to develop an ectopic pregnancy. Any of the following conditions enhance the risk factors:
- pregnancy in the age of 35 years or more
- pelvic surgery, abdominal surgery, or several abortion records.
- having pelvic inflammatory disease
- having endometriosis
- pregnancy despite using IUD or tubal ligation.
- a pregnancy occurring with help from fertility medications or medical procedures
- smoking
- history of ectopic pregnancy
- a patient who has been diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea or chlamydia
- having structural abnormalities in the fallopian tubes that impede the egg to travel
If you possess any of these risk factors, you should seek medical consultation. The chances of future ectopic pregnancies can be reduced by working together with a doctor or fertility specialist.
How is Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Detecting the ectopic pregnancy symptoms early allows physicians to prevent serious medical problems from developing. To determine the condition multiple diagnostic approaches are employed by doctors, including:
- Ultrasound scan
This test confirms the pregnancy location.
- Blood tests (hCG levels)
The assessment helps in checking the pregnancy hormone levels.
- Pelvic examination
This helps in assessing pain or tenderness in the pelvic region.
How To Treat Ectopic Pregnancy?
The treatment for ectopic pregnancy depends on whether the pregnancy is located and how severe it is.
1. Medication (Methotrexate Therapy)
- Doctors use this method in early cases that feature an intact fallopian tube.
- Stops pregnancy growth while allowing the body to naturally take in the tissue.
2. Surgery (Laparoscopy or Laparotomy)
- Through Laparoscopic surgery (minimally invasive) medical staff remove the ectopic tissue.
- Medical professionals need to perform open surgery (Laparotomy) during severe ectopic pregnancy conditions.
- The medical team needs to remove the affected fallopian tube in particular instances to stop future issues from arising.
How to Avoid an Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy cannot be prevented at all. However, some lifestyle choices can help decrease the chances of developing an ectopic pregnancy.
You can:
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse. This helps in protecting against pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted infections.
- Avoid using a vaginal douche. Research indicates that douche use significantly raises the vulnerability to developing ectopic pregnancy.
When to See a Doctor?
One must seek professional help from specialists whenever experiencing ectopic pregnancy symptoms. You should consult with the best gynecologist in Hyderabad to obtain correct diagnoses and medical treatment procedures.
If you want to know more about ectopic pregnancy you may check out this video:
Conclusion
An ectopic pregnancy stands as a life-threatening medical situation that demands instant medical help. The fast identification and swift response to ectopic pregnancy symptoms becomes essential to save lives.
With her extensive experience, one of the most famous gynecologists, Dr. Rajeshwari Reddy provides expert gynecological treatment and care to patients experiencing ectopic pregnancy.
Stay informed and prioritize your reproductive health!
