Ectopic pregnancy
This can be a medical emergency. Seek emergency care for abdominal pain with a positive pregnancy test, fainting or shoulder-tip pain.
A fertilised egg implants outside the womb, almost always in a fallopian tube. It cannot survive and can rupture the tube, causing life-threatening internal bleeding.
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Causes
- Damage or dysfunction of the fallopian tube
Risk factors
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Tubal surgery
- IVF
- Smoking
- Pregnancy with an IUD in place
Symptoms
- Missed period with lower abdominal pain on one side
- Vaginal bleeding or brown discharge
- Shoulder-tip pain
- Dizziness or collapse if ruptured
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Pregnancy test
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Serial hCG blood levels
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Methotrexate for small, stable ectopics
- Expectant management in selected cases
Operations and procedures
- Laparoscopic salpingectomy or salpingotomy
- Emergency surgery if ruptured
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Emotional support after pregnancy loss
Possible complications
- Tubal rupture and haemorrhage
- Reduced fertility
Prevention
- Prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections
Outlook
Excellent with early diagnosis; most can conceive again.
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency care for abdominal pain with a positive pregnancy test, fainting or shoulder-tip pain.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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