Written by Mr.Jongruk on 3:30 AM
By Teboho Mochaoa
Even though Ectopic Pregnancy is not that common, like other complications that occur during the pregnancy, it's of importance for women who need facts surrounding pregnancy to be enlightened about it, as it is absolutely traumatic and deadly.
For the reason that information regarding pregnancy and its complexities is essential to women generally, it will be utterly vital to explain this condition in relation to its causes, indications, diagnosis, and alternatives available for its treatment.
In an article, which appeared in South African women's magazine called "True Love" (November 2002, issue), by Gail Schimmel titled: "Deadly Pregnancy", Dr Murishe Ledwaba, a gynaecologist, describes Ectopic pregnancy as one that does not settle inside the womb.
According to an article on a website, "MedicineNet", Womens Health and Medical Information (2005), Ectopic pregnancy, much detailed, is "�condition where a fertilized egg settles and grows in any location other than the inner lining of the uterus."
"The vast majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube (95%), however, they can occur in other locations, such as the ovary, cervix, and abdominal cavity," it is further explained in the article.
This kind of pregnancy complication is caused and made possible mainly by a previous history of it. Actually, this implies that when a woman has gone through an ectopic pregnancy, it is likely for her to encounter another ectopic pregnancy. This is given an explanation in another article from an Internet Encyclopaedia named "Wikipedia", the free encyclopedia (2005).
It is further stated that a previous history of ectopic pregnancy intensifies the risk of its recurrence due to the fact that it is dealt with tubal surgery. In another article (MedicineNet, 2005), it is also specified that: "The recurrence rate is 15% after the first ectopic pregnancy, and 30% after the second."
Ectopic pregnancy is also caused by infections involving the pelvis (Pelvic Infections), and this brings about it (ectopic pregnancy) by blocking and injuring the fallopian tubes (this result from STDs). Pelvic infection destroys small hair-like cilia with which the internal lining of the fallopian tubes is covered with, and these (cilia) facilitates the transportation of a fertilized egg from the ovary into the uterus.
"If these cilia are damaged by infection�The egg can settle in the fallopian tube without reaching the uterus, thus becoming an ectopic pregnancy," (MedicineNet, 2005). Also, these cilia can become spoilt due to the build-up of scar tissue within the fallopian tubes, which is caused by the presence of a Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in a woman. Meaning there is a possibility of an ectopic pregnancy, with a woman retaining a PID, (Wikipedia, 2005).
Moreover, usage of Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs) by women is capable of enhancing the risk of ectopic pregnancy. This is because they regularly increase the concentration of estrogen and progesterone hormones, resulting in sluggish movement of the egg via the fallopian tubes (Wikipedia, 2005). However, ectopic pregnancy's occurrence in relation to IUDs is not that much.
"�the number of women becoming pregnant while using IUDs is extremely low. Therefore the overall risk of ectopic pregnancies related to IUDs is very low," (MedicineNet, 2005).
Additionally, women affected by Endometriosis are probably in a position to encounter an ectopic pregnancy. This condition can possibly interrupt egg movement by contracting the fallopian tubes, and consequently leading to such a pregnancy complication.
In an article from the website of "American Pregnancy Association" (2006), it is said: "Endometriosis occurs when the endometrium lining of the uterus attaches itself to the other organs outside of the uterus." It has been added that "During menstruation the endometrium lining is shed from the uterus, but the lining that has attached outside�has no way of leaving the body."
The lining (attaching out of the uterus) can be destroyed (as it is affected during menstruation and ovulation), develop a scar tissue that is agonizing and irritating or bleed. More that 7 million women in the United States of America have been affected with Endometriosis (causes gynecological surgeries, pelvic pain, and infertility), and this is according to the Endometriosis Research Center, (American Pregnancy Association, 2006).
Furthermore, a woman is at the risk of ectopic pregnancy when having a surgery, or any malformations on the fallopian tubes.
Even though the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are arguably indistinguishable, vaginal bleeding is involved. Also, there is "abdominal or pelvic pain�, shoulder pain, weakness, or dizziness," (MedicineNet, 2005). But still, they (symptoms) can be present in other complications, even in an ordinary pregnancy.
Having realized these symptoms, a woman should instantly consult a doctor/gynaecologist. If disregarded a woman can experience a precarious internal bleeding (very life-threatening), when the fallopian tube ultimately burst. "�the tube becomes stretched and inflamed�the affected Fallopian tube will likely burst, causing gynecologic hemorrhage and endangering the life of a woman," (Wikipedia, 2005).
It is also of importance to communicate approaches that are normally employed to make a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Several tests are performed, and they consist of Laparoscopy, Ultrasound examination, blood hormone test, and Dilatation and Curettage (D&C). Laparoscopy, for instance, helps in the diagnosis in a sense that its (ectopic pregnancy) location can be visualized with the help of specific viewing devices (MedicineNet, 2005).
In the treatment of ectopic pregnancy (especially in the fallopian tubes), there are normally two alternatives used, namely surgical and nonsurgical treatments. In a surgical handling, laparoscopy is also utilized to eliminate a pregnancy out of the involved fallopian tube, and this is referred to as salpingostomy. However, in critical conditions, salpingestomy is preferred, and this is whereby the pregnancy is removed with the fallopian tube (Wikipedia, 2005).
In the same article, "Deadly Pregnancy" by Gail Schimmel, Dr Ledwaba clarifies this: "The second�involves removing the ruptured section of the tube completely, leaving the woman with only one functioning Fallopian tube. This is called a salpingectomy, and is often unavoidable in emergency situations," (True Love magazine: 2002).
With the second treatment, however, it is much safer as there is no surgery implicated (likely to cause defects in the tubes). An additional method, for example, is usage of "methotrexate" (anti-cancer drug), which terminates the pregnancy. "If administered early in the pregnancy, methotrexate can disrupt the growth of the developing embryo causing cessation of pregnancy," (Wikipedia, 2005).
In conclusion, the menace of ectopic pregnancy, if left ignored for long, can't easily be avoided. Therefore, it is crucial for a woman to seek out medication in time if she encounters any of its symptoms, so that a specialist (a gynaecologist) can take proper action. With frequent check-ups during the pregnancy term, a woman is able to know her status, and many problems relating to pregnancy generally, can be treated and averted.
References:
American Pregnancy Association. 2006. Endometriosis. Available: [o]
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/womenshealth/endometriosis.html (Accessed on 19/01/06)
MedicineNet, Womens Health and Medical Information. 2005. Ectopic Pregnancy. Available: [o]
http://www.medicinenet.com/ectopic-pregnancy/article.htm (Accessed on 15/11/05)
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2005. Ectopic Pregnancy. Available: [o]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectopic_pregnancy (Accessed on 25/11/05)
Schimmel, G. 2002. Deadly Pregnancy. True Love Magazine (November 2002, issue)
