Every month, we will identify the most commonly asked questions about ectopic pregnancy and answer them. If you have any further questions that you cannot find the answer to on the website, please contact us.
Are there genetic risk factors that increase your chances of an ectopic pregnancy?
Although different areas of the world have different rates of ectopic pregnancy (in a paper I had published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, I reported the highest rate in the world in the City and Hackney health district ), there is no evidence that there are any genetic links to ectopic pregnancy.
Do different countries treat ectopic pregnancies in other ways?
The treatment of ectopic pregnancy depends on the health resources, equipment, and clinical skills of the doctors managing the case . In Europe and America, quantitative bHCG transvaginal scans and laparoscopic surgery or medical treatment with methotrexate are available as diagnostic options; these methods may not be available in some developing countries.
What can I do to help the recovery process after an ectopic pregnancy?
The physical recovery depends on the type of surgery that you have had. With laparoscopic surgery, women are usually discharged from the hospital within 25 hours. If you have had open surgery ( laparotomy), the hospital stay is several days, and full physical recovery could take weeks. Ectopic pregnancy may have psychological effects which may be under-reported (see the psychological impact of ectopic pregnancy on the website).
Does an ectopic pregnancy always require surgical intervention?
When the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy has been confirmed, there may be various management options available. Depending on the investigation and clinical picture, not all women require surgery; some may be managed conservatively or medically with methotrexate, but they will require very careful follow-up (see the website on medical and surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy).
Is ectopic pregnancy related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common gynaecological condition which may occur in up to 20% of women of reproductive age in the United Kingdom. It is a recognised risk factor for the development of an ectopic pregnancy – see section on PCOS symptoms and treatment for more information.
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