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.
Is there anything I can do to prevent another Ectopic Pregnancy?
Ectopic pregnancy is an increasingly common condition that is thought to occur in up to 1 in 80 pregnancies in the United Kingdom. There are well-recognised causes for ectopic pregnancy which include chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease which may have few if any symptoms but can result in tubal damage. It is advisable to consider a sexual health check, which should include screening for chlamydia, as your partner can be treated with a course of antibiotics. See the section on chlamydia on the ectopic pregnancy foundation website).
Another risk factor is endometriosis which is increasingly common and may affect up to 10% of women in the United Kingdom. Symptoms include menstrual pain, irregular and heavy menstrual loss and pain during sexual intercourse. If you have symptoms of endometriosis you seek medical advice. See the section on endometriosis on the ectopic pregnancy foundation website.
Would an Ectopic Pregnancy show on a home pregnancy test?
Home pregnancy tests detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (bHCG) the test just gives a positive or negative result to confirm or excuse a pregnancy. The urine sets are very sensitive and can show as positive before a missed period. The test gives no indication as to whether the pregnancy is ectopic pregnancy.
Quantitative blood levels can be used as part of an algorithm that includes transvaginal ultrasound scans in the management of women who may have an ectopic pregnancy. See the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation website for investigations.
When was the first Ectopic Pregnancy discovered?
There is little documentation of the first description of an ectopic pregnancy. The first operation for ectopic pregnancy, which at that time had a very high mortality rate was. in 1883 and performed by Lawson Tate. Sadly, the woman died but in the next series of 40 operations, all but one survived. See the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation Lawson Tait the forgotten gynaecologist.
Can I still get pregnant and give birth after an Ectopic Pregnancy?
It is possible to have another pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy and there is no time limit. Try when you are psychologically prepared. Ectopic pregnancy is not a contraindication for labour, but the delivery method should be discussed with your obstetrician. See the website on pregnancy after a previous ectopic pregnancy
Are there different sorts of Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside side the uterine cavity. The most common site is in the Fallopian tube, with other sites being much less common. These sites include the portion of the tube within the uterine wall (interstitial ectopic) and within the cervix, or the scar of previous uterine surgery, usually after a previous caesarean section(s). Pregnancy in these rare sites can provide a challenge to both. For diagnosis and treatment see the website on ectopic pregnancy sites.
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