What causes an ectopic pregnancy?

Written by Liu Qin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on December 10, 2024
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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 Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can an ectopic pregnancy be carried to term?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, commonly known as ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy sac implants outside the uterine cavity. Because the muscle layer outside the uterine cavity is very thin, it restricts the growth of the pregnancy sac during its development. Furthermore, the trophoblast invades the local blood vessels, causing the vessels to rupture and miscarriage to occur very early in the pregnancy, potentially endangering the patient's life. Therefore, an ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy that cannot be sustained. If an ectopic pregnancy is detected, it should be treated as early as possible.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Do ectopic pregnancies require surgery?

In general, if an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, further symptomatic examinations and treatments are necessary. Normally, it is recommended to determine the specific location of the ectopic pregnancy and any changes in vital signs under ultrasound examination. If the patient's vital signs are stable, the ectopic site has not ruptured, and there is no intraperitoneal bleeding, conservative medical treatment can be temporarily administered. If severe intraperitoneal bleeding has occurred, accompanied by changes in vital signs, it is advisable to promptly proceed with surgical treatment.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity. Because it is not in the environment of the uterus, ectopic pregnancies often end in miscarriage or rupture. The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy mainly depend on the location of the implantation of the fertilized egg, whether a miscarriage or rupture has occurred, the amount of bleeding, the duration of the bleeding, and whether there is a rupture or miscarriage in a tubal pregnancy. Generally, there are often no specific clinical manifestations in the early stages. If it reaches the middle to late stages, there might be symptoms such as abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. If a tubal pregnancy ruptures, the abdominal pain follows a series of tearing pains, then progresses to generalized abdominal tenderness and rebound pain.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ectopic pregnancy characteristics

Lower unilateral abdominal pain, irregular vaginal bleeding, and even after 50 days of pregnancy, the ultrasound still does not show the gestational sac implanted in the uterine cavity. An ultrasound can be used to understand the size and location of the gestational sac. The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are often atypical. Some patients may experience shock due to heavy bleeding, with pale complexion and a drop in blood pressure. It is important to hospitalize timely for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy to prevent life-threatening severe bleeding. In cases of ectopic pregnancy, blood hCG levels may not increase.

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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.