ectopic pregnancy rate

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on January 27, 2025
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The probability of an ectopic pregnancy occurring is generally quite low, with an incidence rate of about 2%-3%. An ectopic pregnancy refers to a fertilized egg that does not implant within the uterine cavity, and occurs outside the uterine cavity; the most common site for an ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube, followed by the ovaries and the abdominal cavity. These are the common sites for ectopic pregnancies. The main causes of ectopic pregnancies are chronic inflammation or congenital diseases, which lead to adhesions and blockages in the fallopian tubes, affecting the migration of the fertilized egg.

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Written by Liu Qin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 14sec home-news-image

What causes an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, with tubal pregnancy being the most common type, accounting for up to 95% of cases. There are many causes of ectopic pregnancy, with the main reasons including the following: First, inflammation of the fallopian tubes is a major cause of ectopic pregnancy because the inflammation can cause the mucous membranes of the tubes to adhere, narrowing of the lumen, or impairment of the cilia function, leading to obstruction of the fertilized egg's movement within the tube, preventing it from reaching the uterine cavity, thus, it implants in the tube. Second, the patient has a history of fallopian tube surgery or a previous ectopic pregnancy. Third, poor development or abnormal function of the fallopian tubes. Fourth, the implementation of assisted reproductive technology. Fifth, the intake of emergency contraceptive pills by individuals who experienced contraceptive failure. (The use of medications should be done under the guidance of Doctor Yan.)

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
1min 4sec home-news-image

Does an ectopic pregnancy hurt in the early stages?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity, with common implantation sites including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic cavity. Early ectopic pregnancy can also cause some pain, with common reasons for the pain including the following: First, the main reason is the enlargement of the uterus under the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which pulls on the surrounding tissues and ligaments, such as the round ligament of the uterus, uterosacral ligaments, or bilateral adnexa, causing lower abdominal traction pain. This presents as a feeling of heaviness or menstrual-like sensation. This pain is a normal physiological manifestation during early pregnancy and is present in both intrauterine and ectopic pregnancies. Second, in early ectopic pregnancy, sometimes the gestational sac can cause mild irritation and pressure on local tissues, leading to mild localized pain, which is often not very noticeable.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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How is an ectopic pregnancy treated?

If symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are confirmed, further examinations are necessary before symptomatic treatment can be administered. Normally, it is essential to first determine the specific status of the ectopic pregnancy, whether there is any rupture, whether the patient's vital signs are stable, and whether there is significant internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity. If the symptoms are not severe and there is no rupture, localized conservative medicinal treatment can be administered. However, if the symptoms are severe, accompanied by hemorrhagic shock or substantial internal bleeding in the abdomen, emergency surgical treatment is required.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you have intercourse with an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy and sexual intercourse often occur when the patient is unaware, specifically during the early stages when there is no bleeding, no abdominal pain, and only amenorrhea is present; intercourse might occur under these circumstances. However, if there is irregular vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain, suspecting an ectopic pregnancy, it is advised not to have intercourse. This is because intercourse can cause excitement, which might lead some ectopic pregnancy masses to rupture, potentially causing severe bleeding.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is an ectopic pregnancy caused?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity. A pregnancy located outside the uterine cavity is commonly known as an ectopic pregnancy. The most common type of ectopic pregnancy is a tubal pregnancy, though less common types include abdominal, ovarian, and cervical pregnancies. How does an ectopic pregnancy occur? Inflammation is the most common cause, as it can lead to adhesions in the fallopian tubes or pelvic area, causing abnormal transport in the fallopian tubes. Additionally, ectopic pregnancies can result from scarring after surgeries, such as pregnancies in cesarean section scars, and from anomalies of the uterus, like pregnancies in a remaining part of the uterus.