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Ectopic Pregnancy
Also known as
Tubal pregnancy
Description
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus. The ectopic site can be a fallopian tube, ovary, or anywhere in the abdominal cavity.
An ectopic pregnancy is not viable and requires medical or surgical treatment.
Approximately 1% of pregnancies are ectopic.
Risk factors
History of pelvic inflammatory disease
Use of an intrauterine device for contraception
History of infertility
History of gonorrhea or chlamydia infection
History of a ruptured appendix (appendix "burst" before surgery)
History of a previous ectopic pregnancy
History of tubal surgery
Symptoms
Lower abdominal cramps
Missed period or painful period
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
Pelvic pain
May have backache and shoulder pain
Adnexal mass
Positive pregnancy test
Diagnosis
Blood tests
Serum beta-HCG (pregnancy test) at lower level than expected for a normal pregnancy
Imaging
Ultrasound
Laparascopy
Similar conditions
Acute appendicitis
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Ovarian torsion
Kidney stone
Treatment
Surgical removal of ectopic pregnancy (by laparoscopy)
Methotrexate - a medication that can be given in place of surgery, to expel an early ectopic pregnancy
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