- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when the foetus develops outside of the womb. This condition is very rare, though it has been found to be increasingly common in some countries around the world. There are steps that can be taken to treat this condition, and it is often found during routine check-ups.
There are many factors that can cause an ectopic pregnancy. They mostly occur in the fallopian tubes, though have been found in other areas around the womb. Anything that alters the fallopian tubes or causes a blockage can cause an ectopic pregnancy. Many times there will be no clear cause of the condition, but sometimes it can be due to age, pelvic inflammatory disease or a history of pregnancy complications. Women who have experienced ectopic pregnancies before, or who have had miscarriages may be more susceptible to another ectopic pregnancy.
There are three main ways by which a woman will become aware of this condition. The most severe way to find out is to suddenly suffer from pain and illness, and to be examined and have the condition discovered. This is often the case when the woman is unaware of the pregnancy, and the ectopic pregnancy has ruptured and must be removed. Some women will be on the look out for this condition. If their doctor decides that they are more susceptible to this condition, routine checks will be performed to make sure the woman isn’t suffering from it. Most women however will become aware of the condition as a result of a missed period, bleeding from the vagina and pain in the abdominal region. Any woman experiencing this should consult her GP or gynaecologist as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.
If a woman is suspected to be suffering from an ectopic pregnancy, tests must be performed to determine exactly what the problem is. These tests vary depending on what stage the pregnancy is at. Pregnancy tests and blood tests can give more signs that suggest the ectopic pregnancy, but an ultrasound must be performed to be sure of what the problem is. This can give a detailed image of where the pregnancy is developing, if it is outside the womb.
Surgery can be performed, and medication administered to deal with this condition. Medication can treat the ectopic pregnancy, and surgery can place the fertilised egg in the womb to further develop. The treatment chosen depends upon the situation.