Signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include
- Increased HCG
- Vaginal bleeding (in varying amounts)
- Sudden lower abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
- A tender cervix
- An adnexal mass, or adnexal tenderness
- Rupture of an ectopic pregnancy can lead to symptoms such as
There are a number of risk factors for ectopic pregnancies. However, in as many as one-third to one-half no risk factors can be identified.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Infertility
- Use Of An Intrauterine Device (Iud)
- Previous Exposure To Diethylstilbestrol (Des)
- Tubal Surgery
- Intrauterine Surgery (E.G. D&C)
- Smoking
- Previous Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Tubal Ligation
High: Tubal sterilization, IUD, prior ectopic, PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), SIN (salpingitis isthmica nodosa)
Moderate: Smoking, having more than 1 partner, infertility, chlamydia
Low: Douching, age greater than 35, age less than 18, GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer)
There's no way to prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but here are some ways to decrease your risk.
- Limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom during sex helps to prevent sexually transmitted infections and may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Don't smoke
