Welcome to Laurie’s Big Blog – November 2024

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.

Can I have an IUCD if I have had an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Previously, an intrauterine device was not suggested. However, with newer designs, it is well recognised as an effective form of contraception and those which release a progestogen also decrease menstrual blood loss (Mirena  IUCD).

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.

Where can I find others’ experiences of Ectopic Pregnancy?

Sharing your experience of ectopic pregnancy and seeing how overs have coped has been found to be therapeutic. The ectopic pregnancy foundation website has a section on woman’s experiences and if you wish to, you can submit your experience to be posted on the website.

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.