What is an ectopic pregnancy and how dangerous is it?

Unfortunately, not every pregnancy ends for a woman successfully. Sometimes deviations begin already on the first days of the existence of a fertilized egg. That's why many women are interested in what an ectopic pregnancy is and what its first symptoms are. This information can help early diagnosis.

Ectopic pregnancy is a dangerous condition

Normally, a fertilized egg, moving through the fallopian tubes, gets into the uterine cavity, and then it is implanted into its wall. Sometimes, for one reason or another, natural progress is disrupted. The egg can linger in the ovary or the fallopian tube, and in some cases also enter the abdominal cavity.

Ectopic pregnancy is a very dangerous problem that threatens the health and even the life of a woman. Therefore, the sooner this violation is discovered and eliminated, the more effective the treatment will be.

What is ectopic pregnancy and what are its causes?

In fact, there are several factors that can lead to a similar deviation from the natural process:

• To begin with, it is worth mentioning a violation of the structure or functions of the most fallopian tubes. For example, they can be covered with scar tissue, have spikes or other abnormalities that interfere with the normal movement of the fertilized egg. This phenomenon is often found in women who have had inflammation of the reproductive system or pelvic organs.
• To the reasons it is possible to carry the earlier surgical procedures on the fallopian tubes, as well as miscarriages and abortions.
• Sometimes this condition is the result of wearing a spiral.
• In a number of cases, disturbances are caused by changes in the properties of the eggs themselves.

Ectopic pregnancy: signs and symptoms

In fact, it is far from easy to suspect such a complication. For example, home use tests can show two strips. In addition, this condition is accompanied by the usual signs of pregnancy - the termination of menstruation, morning sickness, increased sensitivity of the breast, etc.

Nevertheless, it is worth paying attention to other signs. As a rule, ectopic pregnancy, starting from 2 to 3 weeks, is accompanied by mild bloody discharge. Sometimes there is also weakness, dizziness, constant fatigue. The larger the size of a fertilized egg, the more expressive the symptoms become. For example, many women complain of pain in the lower abdomen caused by pressure on the walls of the fallopian tube or ovaries.

What is ectopic pregnancy and how to treat it

Naturally, the first thing you need to see a doctor. As a rule, ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is enough to make the final diagnosis. Methods of treatment depend on the size of the fertilized egg, the location of its attachment, the condition of the patient and some features of the body.

If the duration of pregnancy is small, the doctor can recommend medication. But the most commonly used laparoscopy is surgery, in which the surgeon gently removes the fetal egg. In the most severe cases, especially if there is a rupture of the fallopian tube or severe damage to other internal organs, a hollow operation and complete removal of the fallopian tube is necessary.

Now that you know what an ectopic pregnancy is, you should also evaluate the whole risk of this situation. After all, in the absence of timely treatment, massive bleeding, rupture of the oviduct or shells of the ovary, and sometimes inflammation of the abdominal cavity are possible.