$Unique_ID{BRK00077}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Pregnancies that Occur Outside the Uterus}
$Subject{pregnancy ectopic surgery embryo Pregnancies Outside Uterus tubal
Fallopian tube tubes pregnant menstrual bleeding spotty Abdominal abdomen
sonograms laparoscopic laparotomy embryos sonogram laparotomies laparoscopy
laparoscopies}
$Volume{K-14}
$Log{
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf
Anatomy of the Abdomen*0001501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Pregnancies that Occur Outside the Uterus


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QUESTION:  How do they detect pregnancies that occur outside the uterus?  How
are these pregnancies dealt with?

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ANSWER:  Pregnancies that occur outside the uterus are called "ectopic," or
"tubal" pregnancies.  If they are undetected, they can cause a
life-threatening emergency when the growing embryo ruptures a Fallopian tube
and causes dramatic hemorrhage inside the abdomen.  Early diagnosis and
treatment are important not only to the life of the pregnant woman, but also
to her future fertility.  About half the time, however, the ectopic pregnancy
is not diagnosed until it ruptures.
     History and physical examination are important to diagnosis.  A pregnancy
test is positive with ectopic pregnancy, but menstrual bleeding may be spotty
or irregular.  Abdominal pain is usually present.  Blood tests to determine
hormone levels in the blood and sonograms are helpful.
     Ectopic pregnancies are not healthy pregnancies, and they cannot be
allowed to continue.  They are usually surgically removed, either by
laparoscopic surgery (which is done through a small incision below the navel)
or laparotomy, which is through a larger incision in the abdomen.  In some
larger research centers, studies are being done on eliminating the pregnancies
by administering drugs instead of doing surgery.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.