How is an ectopic pregnancy caused?

Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity. A pregnancy located outside the uterine cavity is commonly known as an ectopic pregnancy. The most common type of ectopic pregnancy is a tubal pregnancy, though less common types include abdominal, ovarian, and cervical pregnancies. How does an ectopic pregnancy occur? Inflammation is the most common cause, as it can lead to adhesions in the fallopian tubes or pelvic area, causing abnormal transport in the fallopian tubes. Additionally, ectopic pregnancies can result from scarring after surgeries, such as pregnancies in cesarean section scars, and from anomalies of the uterus, like pregnancies in a remaining part of the uterus.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
56sec home-news-image

Will an IUD cause an ectopic pregnancy?

IUD insertion can cause ectopic pregnancy because it is a minor gynecological surgery and an invasive procedure. Any invasive operation can potentially trigger pelvic inflammatory disease. The occurrence of pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which is one of the main causes of ectopic pregnancy. Moreover, not every patient is suitable for an IUD. These devices come in many shapes, and there should be an optimal match between the shape of the IUD and the size and form of the uterine cavity. If the IUD does not match the patient's uterine cavity size and shape, it may not effectively prevent pregnancy, thus increasing the risk of pregnancy with the IUD in place, including the occurrence of ectopic pregnancies. In conclusion, IUD insertion can lead to ectopic pregnancies.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can an ectopic pregnancy result in a live birth?

In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, it is necessary to terminate the pregnancy promptly. The pregnancy cannot continue, nor can it reach full term. Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of a fertilized egg in a location outside the uterine cavity, known as an ectopic pregnancy. Normally, after the sperm and egg combine, implantation should occur in the uterine cavity for a normal pregnancy, since the uterus is the site where the fetus is nurtured. The uterus can expand gradually as the pregnancy sac grows, until the baby is delivered month by month. However, in an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo does not implant in the uterus, it does not expand with the growth of the pregnancy sac. Therefore, as it progresses, it can lead to rupture of the implantation site, causing bleeding, fainting, shock, and potentially leading to severe consequences.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity. Because it is not in the environment of the uterus, ectopic pregnancies often end in miscarriage or rupture. The symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy mainly depend on the location of the implantation of the fertilized egg, whether a miscarriage or rupture has occurred, the amount of bleeding, the duration of the bleeding, and whether there is a rupture or miscarriage in a tubal pregnancy. Generally, there are often no specific clinical manifestations in the early stages. If it reaches the middle to late stages, there might be symptoms such as abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. If a tubal pregnancy ruptures, the abdominal pain follows a series of tearing pains, then progresses to generalized abdominal tenderness and rebound pain.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy initially presents with a lack of menstruation, specifically in women of childbearing age who miss their expected period and then discover they are pregnant. A few days later, they might experience light vaginal bleeding, which is usually scanty and in drips. Additionally, about 95% of affected individuals will feel pain in the lower abdomen, which typically presents as a faint cramping pain before the ectopic pregnancy ruptures. If a rupture occurs, it can lead to very severe, tearing-like intense pain. If the pain leads to internal bleeding, severe cases may result in symptoms of shock.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
41sec home-news-image

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy used to be commonly referred to as "宫外孕". In fact, it is known as ectopic pregnancy, which means that the fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity. A normal pregnancy occurs in the uterine cavity, but if it occurs outside the uterine cavity, it is called ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy includes tubal pregnancy, ovarian pregnancy, abdominal pregnancy, broad ligament pregnancy, cervical pregnancy, cornual pregnancy, etc. These are all types of ectopic pregnancies, with tubal pregnancy being the most common clinically.