Fertility After An Ectopic Pregnancy
This depends on the type of treatment, a history of infertility, the reason for the ectopic pregnancy and how long it takes for hCG levels to drop.
Having an intrauterine pregnancy following methotrexate treatment is higher compared to surgical treatment and better after having a salpingotomy compared to a salpingectomy.
It will also depend on the health of your fallopian tubes. It is important that you discuss this with your health care provider so that you know what to expect.
If you had medical treatment only , on average, you have a 60% to 65% chance of an intrauterine pregnancy within the following 18 months.
How Long Should I Wait Before Becoming Pregnant Again After An Ectopic Pregnancy
You should talk to your healthcare provider about future pregnancies after being treated for an ectopic pregnancy. Although pregnancy may happen quickly after treatment, its often best to wait about three months. This allows your fallopian tube time to heal and decreases the risk of another ectopic pregnancy.
What Should I Do If I Suspect An Ectopic Pregnancy
The main treatment options are:
What are the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy at 6 weeks?
Early signs of an ectopic pregnancy include:
- Light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.
- Upset stomach and vomiting.
- Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum.
What are the chances of seeing a heartbeat at 6 weeks?
One research study of more than 300 women with a history of recurrent miscarriage showed that those who saw a heartbeat at 6 weeks of pregnancy had a 78% chance of the pregnancy continuing.
When is risk of miscarriage highest?
The first trimester is associated with the highest risk for miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy. A miscarriage in the second trimester happens in 1% to 5% of pregnancies.
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Can Bad Sperm Cause Ectopic Pregnancy
Based on findings in both animal and human models, we proposed the hypothesis that sperm defects may be associated with the expression of paternal genes which cause abnormal early embryo development and predispose the embryos to interact inappropriately with the genital tract epithelium, and so increase the risk of an
When To Get Emergency Help
Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency department immediately if you experience a combination of:
These symptoms could mean that your fallopian tube has split open . This is very serious and surgery to repair the fallopian tube needs to be carried out as soon as possible.
A rupture can be life threatening, but fortunately they’re uncommon and treatable, if dealt with quickly. Deaths from ruptures are extremely rare in the UK.
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What Is The Main Cause Of Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is often caused by damage to the fallopian tubes. A fertilized egg may have trouble passing through a damaged tube, causing the egg to implant and grow in the tube. Things that make you more likely to have fallopian tube damage and an ectopic pregnancy include: Smoking.
What happens if you get pregnant right after an ectopic pregnancy?
Option : Surgical Treatment For Ectopic Pregnancy
Your healthcare provider will probably recommend surgery for ectopic pregnancy if you have intense pain or are showing signs of a ruptured tubal pregnancy . Surgery is also recommended if there are other medical reasons you shouldn’t take methotrexate or if the methotrexate doesn’t work .
Unless emergency surgery is required, a laparoscopic surgery is typically performed to remove the pregnancy from the tubes or wherever the pregnancy is located . A laparoscopic surgery uses very small incisions with the help of a camera. There is typically less pain, risk of infection, and time needed for healing compared to traditional surgery .
Your healthcare provider should discuss the surgical options with you. The options are usually a salpingostomy or salpingectomy depending on how much damage there is to the fallopian tube and your plans for becoming pregnant in the future . A salpingostomy creates an opening in the tube to remove tissue . A salpingectomy is the removal of the tube . If you desire pregnancy in the future, your provider will likely attempt to keep your tube if possible .
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How To Diagnose An Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies can be mostly diagnosed between 6 weeks and 10 weeks gestation. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy may present with signs of hemodynamic instability and syncope . Visualization of a gestational sac outside the uterus, with yolk sac and/or fetal node with or without cardiac activity on transvaginal ultrasound is the definitive diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
Appearance of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas in TVS with adnexal mass suggests ruptured ectopic pregnancy
Would An Ectopic Pregnancy Show Up On A Urine Test
A urine pregnancy testincluding a home pregnancy testcan accurately diagnose a pregnancy but cannot detect whether it is an ectopic pregnancy. If a urine pregnancy test confirms pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, further blood testing or ultrasound is needed to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.
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Signs Of Ectopic Pregnancy At 2 Weeks
The first signs of ectopic pregnancy at two weeks is usually brown spotting or bleeding, which lasts for over three days.
The bleeding is followed by severe pain which mostly starts in the abdomen and right shoulder. The pain becomes worse with time until it becomes unbearable. Always seek medical advice if you notice any changes in your system.
Signs Of An Ectopic Pregnancy
Though you have probably heard about ectopic pregnancies, you probably don’t know very much about them like that they are deeply serious and not as rare as you might think. The phenomenon which occurs when a fertilized egg decides to implant itself outside of the womb and grow there affects one in 80 pregnancies, according to the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust it’s not exactly common, but it’s also not totally out of the blue. So how do you know if you’re having an ectopic pregnancy? It turns out that, unfortunately, there isn’t exactly a blueprint we can go by for every single case. But there are certain signs that may seriously help you out if you recognize them.
Ectopic means “in an abnormal position,” and in an ectopic pregnancy, the causes of the egg’s misplaced implantation aren’t always clear to medical professionals. Sometimes it’s due to scarring in the fallopian tubes, something abnormal in the shape of the reproductive system, or previous infections and certain things, like smoking and pelvic inflammatory disease, are known to cause higher rates of ectopic pregnancies, likely due to related pelvic damage. But we’re still not completely clear about why it happens in all cases.
Here are five signs that, individually or together, may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. If you’re having any of them, get to a GP or a hospital immediately.
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The Physical Risks Of Untreated Ectopic Pregnancy
Though ectopic pregnancies comprise just 1% to 2% of all pregnancies, the condition is the leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal death in the first trimester, usually due to lack of medical intervention. In the U.S., 76 deaths were attributed to ectopic pregnancy between 1998 and 2007.
Treatment is recommended. If the fallopian tube ruptures, the patient is more than likely going to lose the tube. Some patients might also lose the ovary on that side. If a rupture occurs, there will be a risk for abdominal hemorrhage severe bleeding that can be fatal without immediate medical attention.
It is possible for an early ectopic pregnancy to end in miscarriage on its own. However, in most cases it does not, and medical intervention is needed. To treat ectopic pregnancy, the doctor will recommend either a surgical procedure or a medication called methotrexate. In rare occasions, the drug can have serious side effects, such as liver or skin reactions, so it is important to discuss the most appropriate treatment with your doctor.
Is An Ectopic Pregnancy A Baby
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb. If an egg gets stuck in them, it won’t develop into a baby and your health may be at risk if the pregnancy continues.
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Are There Any Complications Of Ectopic Pregnancy
In the now uncommon event of the ectopic pregnancy rupturing, there may be severe consequences. Heavy bleeding can cause serious medical problems and, occasionally, even death. However, most women are now diagnosed in the early stages, before this happens. In this scenario, most women recover very well. There are some rare complications after surgery, which your gynaecologist would discuss with you before the operation. As discussed, there are often some side-effects from taking the medical treatment option.
Women often want to know if they will be able to have a normal pregnancy in the future after an ectopic pregnancy. If you had no past history of problems conceiving or diseases involving your Fallopian tubes before your ectopic pregnancy, your fertility will not be affected and you should have no more chance of having an ectopic pregnancy than a woman who has not had an ectopic pregnancy.
It is common to feel anxious or depressed for a while after treatment. Worries about possible future ectopic pregnancy, the effect on fertility, and sadness over the loss of the pregnancy are normal. Do talk with a doctor about these and any other concerns following treatment.
How Soon After An Ectopic Pregnancy Can I Try To Conceive Again
Your menstrual cycle will resume sometime within the 2nd and 10th week after surgery and within 4 weeks after your hCG levels have dropped to < 5 mIU/ml after treatment with methotrexate.
Your body needs time to recover and you need time to recover emotionally too, therefore it is recommended that you wait for at least 2 full menstrual cycles or 3 months.
After methotrexate treatment it is recommended that you wait at least the full 3 months.
Methotrexate is a powerful drug used in cancer treatment and may diminish the levels of folic acid in your body. If you fall pregnant with a low folate level, the risk of a neural tube defect such as a cleft palate or lip is higher.
Therefore it is recommended that you wait until your hCG levels have dropped to < 5 mIU/ml before starting with a folate supplement. You should then take a folate supplement for approximately 12 weeks before trying to conceive again.
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How Can I Lower My Risk Of Ectopic Pregnancy
Many cases of ectopic pregnancy are caused by damage, scarring or blockage to the fallopian tubes. Ways to reduce this risk include:
- Lowering your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections by using barrier protection correctly during any type of sex and when sharing sex toys.
For more information on STI and BBV testing at Sexual Health Victoria see our clinics or you can book an appointment online.
What Causes An Ectopic Pregnancy
The cause of an ectopic pregnancy isnt always clear. In some cases, the following conditions have been linked with an ectopic pregnancy:
- inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes from a previous medical condition, infection, or surgery
- hormonal factors
- medical conditions that affect the shape and condition of the fallopian tubes and reproductive organs
Your doctor may be able to give you more specific information about your condition.
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Treatment For Ectopic Pregnancy
A ruptured fallopian tube is a medical emergency. Laparoscopic surgery is done to remove the embryo and attempts are made to repair the fallopian tube. A blood transfusion may also be needed.For non-emergency ectopic pregnancy, medication is often successful, but sometimes surgery is still needed. Any woman thought to have or found to have an ectopic pregnancy will need careful observation. Most women who have had an ectopic pregnancy can become pregnant again, but they will need careful follow up, as their risk of ectopic pregnancy is higher.
Symptoms Of A Rupture
In some cases, an ectopic pregnancy can grow large enough to split open the fallopian tube. This is known as a rupture.
Ruptures are very serious. Surgery to repair the fallopian tube needs to be carried out as soon as possible.
Signs of a rupture include a combination of:
- a sharp, sudden and intense pain in your tummy
- feeling very dizzy or fainting
- looking very pale.
A rupture can be life threatening, but fortunately they are uncommon and treatable, if dealt with quickly. Deaths from ruptures are extremely rare in the UK.
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Trying For Another Baby
You may want to try for another baby when you and your partner feel physically and emotionally ready.
You’ll probably be advised to wait until you’ve had at least 2 periods after treatment before trying again to allow yourself to recover.
If you were treated with methotrexate, it’s usually recommended that you wait at least 3 months because the medicine could harm your baby if you become pregnant during this time.
Most women who have had an ectopic pregnancy will be able to get pregnant again, even if they’ve had a fallopian tube removed. Occasionally, it may be necessary to use fertility treatment such as IVF.
The chances of having another ectopic pregnancy are higher if you’ve had one before, but the risk is still small.
If you do become pregnant again, it’s a good idea to let your GP know as soon as possible so early scans can be carried out to check everything is OK.
What Can I Do To Prevent An Ectopic Pregnancy
Having an ectopic pregnancy isnt your fault. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict or prevent an ectopic pregnancy from happening, Dr. Shah said.
Although any woman can develop an ectopic pregnancy, the following can increase your risk:
- History of prior ectopic pregnancy
- Prior surgery of the fallopian tubes or in the pelvis, such as tubal surgery
- Infections that travel to the pelvis, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia or pelvic inflammatory disease
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Ectopic Pregnancy: A Mislocated Pregnancy
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Normally, an egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube and becomes implanted in the uterus. However, if the tube is narrowed or blocked, the egg may move slowly or become stuck. The fertilized egg may never reach the uterus, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy may be located in many different places, including a fallopian tube, an ovary, the cervix, and the abdomen. |
What Is Ectopic Pregnancy
The word ectopic means not in the right place. A pregnancy is meant to be in your uterus, but it can grow in other places. Your fallopian tube is the most common place for an ectopic pregnancy. However, in rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy can grow in other places, such as the junction of a fallopian tube and your uterus, your cervix, in the scar from a previous caesarean section or even outside your uterus completely.
When a pregnancy grows in the wrong place it will eventually cause bleeding inside your pelvic cavity. Unfortunately, even though it can be very heavy and dangerous, at first you wont know you are bleeding.
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What Are The Signs Of Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancies may produce different symptoms in different womenespecially early on, before the fertilized egg has grown large enough to cause any pain or other symptoms. At first, you may have typical early signs of pregnancy, such as breast soreness or nausea. You may also experience:
- Sharp pain in the abdomen
Treatment For An Ectopic Pregnancy
If your health care provider thinks you may have an ectopic pregnancy, they may use a pelvic exam, ultrasound, blood tests and clinical symptoms to make the diagnosis. However, emergency medical care is needed for any pregnancy that has excessive vaginal bleeding or sudden severe abdominal or pelvic pain. Fortunately, most ectopic pregnancies that are detected early can be treated successfully.
If a pregnancy is ectopic, this means it cant continue to develop and the tissue must be removed. Your provider will use some of the following treatment options:
- Close monitoring to evaluate your hCG levels, the hormones that are produced by the placenta, to make sure they go back to normal. This is called expectant management and can take several weeks. This is done when the ectopic pregnancy is expected to resolve naturally.
- Medication to stop pregnancy growth called methotrexate
- Surgery, typically laparoscopically, to remove the ectopic pregnancy
The decision to proceed along a specific treatment path has to be done in conjunction with the health care provider, Dr. Shah said. It should consider factors like severity of the symptoms, level of pregnancy hormone in the blood, appearance of the ectopic pregnancy on ultrasound, underlying health conditions, your desire for current pregnancy, your ability to follow up for ongoing monitoring and your personal preference.
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