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 Su Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy, also known as extrauterine pregnancy, refers to the implantation of the gestational sac outside the uterine cavity. For example, in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the cornual region, etc., leading to a series of symptoms known as ectopic pregnancy. Typically, symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include a history of amenorrhea, where most individuals have a long or short history of missed periods. The second symptom is bleeding, which can be irregular, minor vaginal bleeding or significant bleeding, as well as bleeding within the abdominal cavity, which can lead to hemorrhagic shock in severe cases. Additionally, abdominal pain may occur, manifesting as sudden, tearing-like lower abdominal pain, or irregular referred pain.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Will an IUD cause an ectopic pregnancy?

IUD insertion can cause ectopic pregnancy because it is a minor gynecological surgery and an invasive procedure. Any invasive operation can potentially trigger pelvic inflammatory disease. The occurrence of pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which is one of the main causes of ectopic pregnancy. Moreover, not every patient is suitable for an IUD. These devices come in many shapes, and there should be an optimal match between the shape of the IUD and the size and form of the uterine cavity. If the IUD does not match the patient's uterine cavity size and shape, it may not effectively prevent pregnancy, thus increasing the risk of pregnancy with the IUD in place, including the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. In conclusion, IUD insertion can lead to ectopic pregnancies.

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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Does an ectopic pregnancy hurt?

Ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy state where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity. As the pregnancy sac grows, there is a possibility of rupture and bleeding at the implantation site, which can lead to abdominal pain. In the early stages of an ectopic pregnancy, women generally do not exhibit any specific symptoms and are unaware of the condition. Symptoms are only felt when rupture occurs, causing pain in the lower abdomen. If rupture occurs, the pain often feels like tearing in the lower abdomen and is frequently accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for an ultrasound and actively pursue surgical treatment.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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ectopic pregnancy early symptoms

First, there will be a cessation of menstruation, followed by a brief period of amenorrhea, and then irregular vaginal bleeding will occur. This vaginal bleeding is usually light and droplet-like, and the color is dark red. Additionally, most women will experience pain on one side of the lower abdomen, which manifests as a distension pain. At this time, because the ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube has not ruptured, the enlarging embryo causes the fallopian tube to expand, leading to spasms of the tube, and thus these symptoms occur. If the condition continues to progress, the fallopian tube may rupture, resulting in acute and severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen.