Is the probability of ectopic pregnancy high?

Written by Liu Qin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on March 06, 2025
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Ectopic pregnancy, as the name implies, refers to the implantation of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity, not within the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies most commonly occur in the fallopian tubes, accounting for about 95% of cases. Ectopic pregnancy is one of the common emergencies in gynecology and obstetrics, but its incidence is actually not high, approximately 2%-3%. However, because ectopic pregnancy is a leading cause of death in early pregnancies, it is quite alarming. In recent years, however, with the advancement of ultrasound technology, ectopic pregnancies are being diagnosed and treated earlier, significantly enhancing the survival rates and the ability to preserve fertility.

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Written by Zhao Li Li
Obstetrics
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Do ectopic pregnancies require surgery?

In general, if an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, further symptomatic examinations and treatments are necessary. Normally, it is recommended to determine the specific location of the ectopic pregnancy and any changes in vital signs under ultrasound examination. If the patient's vital signs are stable, the ectopic site has not ruptured, and there is no intraperitoneal bleeding, conservative medical treatment can be temporarily administered. If severe intraperitoneal bleeding has occurred, accompanied by changes in vital signs, it is advisable to promptly proceed with surgical treatment.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What are the early signs of an ectopic pregnancy?

The precursors of an ectopic pregnancy can manifest as unilateral lower abdominal dropping pain, and there may be irregular vaginal bleeding. After 50 days of pregnancy, the gestational sac is not visible in the uterine cavity, and the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy are atypical. Some people may experience severe bleeding and go into shock. In cases of ectopic pregnancy, it is imperative to go to the hospital for an ultrasound to determine the size and location of the gestational sac and confirm whether it is an ectopic pregnancy. Timely hospitalization and treatment are necessary if an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Can you have sexual intercourse with an ectopic pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the embryo implanting outside the uterine cavity, with the vast majority being tubal pregnancies. Generally, intercourse is not recommended during an ectopic pregnancy. Firstly, during the treatment of an ectopic pregnancy, intercourse is inappropriate. If sexual activity occurs during an ectopic pregnancy, the movements are often too vigorous, and the emotions too intense, which is not conducive to the recovery of the body from an ectopic pregnancy. Moreover, it can easily stimulate the rupture of the ectopic mass, potentially leading to substantial intra-abdominal bleeding. Secondly, even after successful treatment of an ectopic pregnancy, such as post-surgery, it is also advised not to engage in sexual intercourse in the short term. This is because the body is generally weaker after ectopic pregnancy treatment and needs some time to recover before engaging in intercourse. It is generally recommended to wait until about a month after an ectopic pregnancy treatment, or until a menstrual cycle has passed, before engaging in sexual intercourse. However, it is crucial to use contraception during intercourse, as it is advised not to get pregnant again shortly after an ectopic pregnancy. Typically, it is recommended to consider pregnancy again after six months.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How many days can an ectopic pregnancy be detected?

Generally around six weeks after a missed period, an ectopic pregnancy can be detected through an ultrasound examination. For women with regular menstrual cycles, if menstruation is delayed by a week and a pregnancy test shows a positive result, it indicates pregnancy. At this time, it is necessary to visit the hospital for an ultrasound to ascertain the implantation site of the gestational sac. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, it is normal that no gestational sac is visible within the uterine cavity during an ultrasound. The ultrasound might reveal irregular echo areas in the adnexal area, which includes the fallopian tubes or ovaries, possibly indicating thickened fallopian tubes or enlarged ovaries. At this point, one should be vigilant about the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy and seek timely treatment.

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Written by Tang Mei Xiang
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is an ectopic pregnancy caused?

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.