Ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical condition in which a fertilized egg begins to grow outside the uterus. The egg is usually implanted in the fallopian tube, but it can also grow in the cervix, ovaries or other areas in the pelvis.

Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention to avoid potentially dangerous complications.

Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy

Most common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:.

Abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding
Pain in the shoulder or neck
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea and vomiting
Pain during urination or bowel movements

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

Risk Factors for Ectopic Pregnancy

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy:.

Age: Women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk of developing ectopic pregnancy.
Previous surgeries: Women who have had previous surgeries in the pelvic area, such as a tubal ligation or ovarian cyst removal, are more likely to experience ectopic pregnancy.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Women who have had pelvic inflammatory disease are at a higher risk of developing ectopic pregnancy.
Smoking: Smoking can increase the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy by damaging the fallopian tubes and affecting the ability of the fertilized egg to travel to the uterus.

Diagnosing Ectopic Pregnancy

Diagnosing ectopic pregnancy involves a physical exam, blood tests, and ultrasound. Blood tests are used to detect levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is present in pregnant women.

Ultrasound is the most commonly used diagnostic tool to confirm an ectopic pregnancy.

Treatments for Ectopic Pregnancy

There are two main treatment options for ectopic pregnancy: medication and surgery.

Medication is usually the first line of treatment for ectopic pregnancy. Methotrexate is a medication that stops the growth of cells, including the cells in a pregnancy. Methotrexate is given by injection and can either be taken once or in several doses.

After receiving methotrexate, your doctor will monitor your hCG levels to ensure the pregnancy is not growing.

If medication is not effective or if the pregnancy has caused significant damage to the fallopian tubes, surgery may be required. Surgery is often used to remove the pregnancy and, in some cases, the fallopian tube.

Preventing Ectopic Pregnancy

Although ectopic pregnancy cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:.

Quit smoking: Smoking tobacco can increase the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy by damaging the fallopian tubes and affecting the ability of the fertilized egg to travel to the uterus.
Practice safe sex: Use condoms and other forms of contraception to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections, which can increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Seek prompt treatment for pelvic pain: If you experience pelvic pain, seek medical attention right away to determine the cause and receive necessary treatment.
Consider alternative forms of pregnancy: If you have a history of ectopic pregnancy, your doctor may recommend alternative methods of becoming pregnant, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, seek medical attention right away. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment to avoid complications.