During ovulation, an egg (ovum) is released from one of the ovaries. Conception occurs when the egg is met by a sperm in the fallopian tube. Normally, the fertilised egg travels down the fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it buries into the plump uterine lining. Ectopic pregnancy refers to a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus, most commonly in one of the fallopian tubes that leads from each ovary. In almost all cases, the embryo dies. The developing placenta can’t access a rich blood supply and the fallopian tube is not large enough to accommodate the growing embryo. In one out of five cases, the tube ruptures causing internal bleeding and shock. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgery and blood transfusion.
Other sites for an ectopic pregnancy include the cervix (neck of the uterus), the abdominal cavity and the ovary itself, although these sites are rare. Around half of one per cent of all pregnancies are ectopic.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can mimic miscarriage or the symptoms of other gynaecological disorders, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometriosis. An ectopic pregnancy can initially appear as a normal pregnancy. The possible symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include:
The usual signs of pregnancy, such as amenorrhoea (missed period), morning sickness and breast tenderness.
Pain in the lower abdomen.
Pain in the lower back.
Cramps on one side of the pelvis.
Vaginal bleeding or spotting.
If the fallopian tube ruptures, rapid onset of severe pain in the lower abdomen.
Risk factors
Ectopic pregnancies are caused by the fertilised egg’s inability to move through the fallopian tube. This can be caused by a blockage in the tube, or the failure of the tiny hairs inside the tube to sweep the fertilised egg on its way. The factors that may increase a woman’s risk of having an ectopic pregnancy include:
Prior tubal sterilisation, where the tubes are ‘tied’ as a permanent form of contraception.
Successful reversal of a tubal sterilisation.
Endometriosis.
Previous infection with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes), and subsequent scarring.
Defects of the fallopian tube.
Using assisted reproductive technologies.
Prior ectopic pregnancy.
Damage to the fallopian tube caused by ruptured appendix.
Contraception
No contraceptives currently available in Australia increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. IUDs and the progestogen-only pill (minipill) do not give as good protection against ectopic pregnancies as do other forms of contraception like the combined pill and may not be a good choice for women at higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Women using these forms of contraception are warned to be aware of the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.
Diagnosis methods
Around one in five ectopic pregnancies is diagnosed in the emergency room, after the fallopian tube has ruptured. In most cases, an ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed using a range of tests, some of which are standard medical procedure for all pregnant women, including:
Pelvic examination
Blood tests
Pregnancy ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound
Laparoscopy (‘keyhole’ surgery).
Treatment options
A ruptured fallopian tube is a medical emergency. Laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) surgery is performed to remove the embryo and attempts are made to repair the fallopian tube. A blood transfusion may also be necessary. About half of all women who undergo emergency surgery for ectopic pregnancy may experience difficulty conceiving in the future. For non-emergency ectopic pregnancies, treatment options may include medications and laparoscopic surgery to remove the embryo.
2006-10-24 19:29:41
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Make an appointment with your doctor asap. If you experience any increase in pain in the lower abdomen and and shoulder pain go straight to the ER. You should take your temperature as well. It is best to get an ultrasound right away to rule out an Ectopic Pregnancy and or ovarian cyst. While a cyst is really not life threatening an ectopic could be and you are at risk of damaging your fallopian tube. This could also be a urinary tract infection due to the pressure while peeing. At any rate you need to see a doctor. You should ask for a pregnancy blood test, ultrasound and a UA ( Urine analysis) to rule out all of the above. Hope this helps.
2006-10-24 17:32:43
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answer #2
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answered by Kane nani 2
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Your history of ovarian cysts places you a higher risk for an ectopic pregnancy. It is not uncommon for pain to be isolated to one side of the pelvic region.
If your period is 4 weeks late, then that would place you in the average time frame when ectopic pregnancy symptoms develop (usually 6-7 weeks, but as early as 4).
If it is then you want to see a doctor sooner rather than later. An early catch can solve the situation with a simple injection. If you wait too long it may require laproscopy.
You should see a physician and they will probably give you a pregnancy test and perform an ultrasound.
2006-10-24 17:34:41
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answer #3
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answered by thejiba2000 2
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Sounds like two things. I think it was at 14/15 weeks they did an ultrasound on my third, and I could clearly see the testicles and penis but the tech wouldn't confirm or deny anything. Imaging equipment is getting better and better, but they still won't do the "sex determination" ultrasound until 18 weeks. Secondly, pain is always a concern. It could be your muscle walls stretching/expanding or it could be something more. Call your doctor and discuss it.
2016-03-28 06:49:44
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Seek medical attention ASAP, i had a patient who had an ectopic pregnancy and refused to do anything about it for she feared what her parents would do. Well her parents found her unresponsive on night, abdomen was hard as a rock, she bled out sadly to say!
2006-10-24 18:33:37
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answer #5
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answered by homers_friend 1
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You need to seek medical advice asap. There are many things that could be causing these symptoms, and if untreated you could be opening yourself up to further problems. Don't risk your health! Get help. I'm not a medical professional, just a concerned reader.
2006-10-24 17:28:46
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answer #6
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answered by Chris N 1
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Please stop asking ordinary people what to do when you may have a very serious medical condition! Ectopic pregnancy is way dangerous and, if it ruptures, you can bleed to death. Get to the ER or the OB-GYN right away. Your life may be at risk! GO!
2006-10-24 17:30:53
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answer #7
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answered by KathieJo 5
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Help!?
Hunny, it's Yahoo! Answers we can't email you surgical supplies and teach you step by step how to do it. Go to the Gyno asap and if you're really in pain straight to the ER.
2006-10-24 17:26:06
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answer #8
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answered by agape♥ 3
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GO TO YOUR GP OR EMERGENCY ROOM NOW!!!
If the pain is severe - you need to get checked out immediately..
2006-10-24 17:26:19
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answer #9
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answered by Frankie 4
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run dont walk to your nearest emergency room.yahoo answers cannot provide medical advice but we can give you advice to try to help.so i would head straight for the emergency room gooc luck-cookie
2006-10-24 17:28:31
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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