Ectopic Pregnancy
by: Kyra Best 12.5.12 Block 2
Description of Disorder
Normally, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. With an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy typically occurs in one of the fallopian tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
Ectopic Pregnancy (close up)
Ectopic Pregnancy
Normal vs Ectopic
Cause of Disorder
Symptoms of Disorder
Early signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are an missed period, breast tenderness and nausea. The first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are abdominal or pelvic pain and light vaginal bleeding. If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, there might be shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement
Treatment of Disorder
If the ectopic pregnancy is detected early, an injection of the drug methotrexate is used to stop the cell growth and dissolve any existing cells or is treated with laparoscopic surgery.
Prognosis of Disorder
Population Affected by Disorder
All sexually active women are at some risk for an ectopic pregnancy. Risk factors increase with any of the following conditions:
- advanced maternal age of 35 years or older
- history of pelvic surgery, abdominal surgery, or multiple abortions
- history of pelvic inflammatory disease
- history of endometriosis
- conception occurred despite tubal ligation or IUD
- conception aided by fertility drugs or procedures
- smoking
- previous ectopic pregnancies
- history of sexually transmitted diseases
Citations
- Selner, Marissa. "Ectopic Pregnancy." Healthline. N.p., 16 July 2012. Web. 1 Dec. 2014.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: MedlinePlus." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.
- "Ectopic Pregnancy: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2014.