What is an Ectopic Pregnancy? How is it Recognised?
Ectopic pregnancy, which presents symptoms such as delayed menstruation, irregular vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain, sometimes progresses very insidiously without any symptoms at all. Let’s take a look at what ectopic pregnancy is and how it is recognised.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy condition that occurs when the fertilised egg implants and develops outside the normal location of the uterus, most commonly within the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy cases range from those with no complaints to those termed acute abdomen.
The pregnancy test (ß hCG) in the blood is positive. However, while in normal pregnancies this value increases by 66% within 48 hours, this increase is not observed in ectopic pregnancies. Such an increase in ß hCG only occurs after 7 days. If the ß hCG level is 2000 mIU/ml but the gestational sac cannot be detected inside the uterus by vaginal ultrasound, suspicions should be raised.
What are the Symptoms of Ectopic Pregnancy?
The symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be listed as follows:
- Delayed menstruation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Positive urine test
- Positive blood test
In addition to these symptoms, if one or more of the following complaints suddenly arise during pregnancy, immediate medical attention should be sought:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain or pressure in the shoulder, neck, or rectum
- Sharp cramps in one area of the abdomen
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fatigue followed by dizziness and fainting sensation
Why Does Ectopic Pregnancy Occur?
Ectopic pregnancy develops when the fertilised egg with delayed passage to the uterus develops in the form of an ectopic pregnancy. The causes of ectopic pregnancy are as follows:
- Mechanical Causes
- Functional Causes
- Infertility and Ovulation Treatments
- Failure of Contraception Methods
- Advanced Age
How is Ectopic Pregnancy Recognised?
Ectopic pregnancy can occur in various ways. The symptoms include delayed menstruation, irregular vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
Sometimes it can progress very insidiously without any symptoms at all. The patient may menstruate close to her due date, and if there is damage and bleeding in the tube in the later period, a serious condition with sudden severe abdominal pain and widespread tenderness may develop due to intraperitoneal bleeding. In this case, while blood pressure drops, an increase in pulse is observed. The patient may experience fatigue, a feeling of faintness, and dimming of vision. Shock symptoms may be seen in 25% of patients.
How Long Does Ectopic Pregnancy Last?
Untreated ectopic pregnancy continues until the tissue ruptures and intraperitoneal bleeding occurs, leading to an acute condition, or until medical or surgical treatment is initiated if diagnosed. Rarely, it may regress spontaneously and be eliminated by the body.
Can Ectopic Pregnancy Recur?
The chance of recurrence of ectopic pregnancy is around 10%, regardless of whether the affected tube is repaired or removed.
What Should a Person Who Has Had Ectopic Pregnancy Pay Attention to in Their Next Pregnancy?
They should protect themselves from infections, avoid using birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills containing only progestin, and should not use an intrauterine device (IUD) as a contraceptive method.
What is the Greatest Risk in Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy diagnosis is delayed, and if rupture occurs from where the ectopic pregnancy is located, intraperitoneal bleeding occurs. The patient may experience fatigue, a feeling of faintness, and dimming of vision. Shock symptoms may be seen in 25% of patients. This is a life-threatening condition.
What Should be the Treatment Method for Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that needs to be terminated urgently. Unfortunately, the embryo attempting to develop outside the uterus cannot survive. Furthermore, there is no possibility for this embryo to be transported to the uterus. Therefore, the treatment method for ectopic pregnancy is mostly termination of pregnancy. This can be accomplished by:
- If the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can be made early, pregnancy can be terminated by administering one or more doses of appropriate injection therapy.
- If the pregnancy has progressed and has caused damage to the tubes, the egg in the tube is cleaned out through a surgical procedure, and if necessary, the damaged tube is removed.
The treatment of ectopic pregnancy and the ability to become pregnant again after treatment are possible. Even if one of the tubes is removed, women can easily become pregnant with their other healthy tubes.
There is no simple and definite answer to the question of how ectopic pregnancy is recognised. However, after some checks, a clear diagnosis can be made. However, if a sign outside the normal range is noticed by paying attention to the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor without delay.
