Risk Factors Associated With Ectopic Pregnancy You Should Know

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that is situated outside the inner lining of the uterus. The fallopian tubes are actually the most common locations for an ectopic pregnancy. Many ectopic pregnancies go unnoticed and lead to complications in the long term. So, how does a woman know of the ectopic pregnancy? The three characteristic symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include abdominal pain, absence of menstrual periods and vaginal bleeding; which should not be taken lightly and reported immediately to the doctor, who may advise an ectopic pregnancy surgery. Below, you’ll find risk factors associated with ectopic pregnancy that you should be privy to:

Age

Ectopic pregnancy can take place in a woman of any age, who are sexually active and are ovulating. Women aged between 35-44 years have the highest likelihood of undergoing an ectopic pregnancy.

History

The greatest risk factor for an ectopic pregnancy is if a woman has experienced an ectopic pregnancy previously. Prior history of an ectopic pregnancy increases the risk considerably.

Fallopian tube abnormalities

Any disruption of the normal structure of the Fallopian tubes can be a risk factor for a tubal pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy in other locations.

Previous gynecological surgeries

If a woman has had surgeries on the fallopian tubes such as tubal sterilization or reconstructive procedures in the past, then this can result in scarring and disruption of the normal anatomy of the tubes, thereby increasing the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Infections

Sexually transmitted organisms, such as Chlamydia or N. gonorrhea, typically cause pelvic infections. Infection causes an ectopic pregnancy by causing damage or blocking the fallopian tubes. 

Multiple sex partners

As having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of pelvic infections, it is also associated with an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Certain gynecological conditions, history of infertility and IUD use, cigarette smoking can also cause an ectopic pregnancy. Visit a hospital as you seen as you notice a pattern of the disease in the family or experience symptoms. It is advised you visit a multi-specialty hospital that offers treatments ranging from laparoscopic hernia surgery to PCOS treatments, as the symptoms can be due to another disease.