Every month we will identify the most commonly asked questions about ectopic pregnancy and answer them. If you have any further questions which you cannot find answers to on the website, please can you contact us.
How soon would you know if you have an ectopic pregnancy?
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy usually occur at about 6 weeks from the last menstrual period. Common symptoms are are vaginal discharge or bleeding and unilateral (one sided) lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort or bleeding. See symptoms and presentation of ectopic pregnancy.
Can bad sperm cause ectopic pregnancy?
It all depends on the definition of ‘bad sperm’ – there is no recognised definition of the term. There is no good clinical evidence that sperm quality is a cause of an ectopic pregnancy.
How early can ultrasound detect ectopic pregnancy?
A trans-vaginal scan is part of an algorithm along with a quantitative blood test to check HCG levels in investigating a possible ectopic pregnancy. The most common findings at scan are a mass and/or fluid in the pouch of Douglas. It is rare to see cardiac pulsations outside the uterine cavity. See signs of an ectopic pregnancy
I am in the UK, can I be treated by the NHS for an ectopic pregnancy?
The NHS provides care in an emergency situation to visitors to the United Kingdom. See ectopic pregnancy treatment
Is ectopic pregnancy more common in women who have had a miscarriage?
Miscarriage is sadly a common condition in early pregnancy said to occur in up to a quarter of all pregnancies in the United Kingdom . Ectopic pregnancy is also common occurring in up to 1 in 80 pregnancies. See causes of ectopic pregnancy.
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