$Unique_ID{BRK00738}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How Do You Know When a Pregnancy Develops Outside the Womb?}
$Subject{ectopic pregnancy pregnancies infections fallopian tubes tube
infection tumors endometriosis missed period abdominal pain vaginal bleeding
dizziness headache weakness surgical surgery surgeries operation operations
headaches dizzy}
$Volume{K-14}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System*0006101.scf
Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf}

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


How Do You Know When a Pregnancy Develops Outside the Womb?


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QUESTION:  I know that when a pregnancy develops outside of the womb it may be
a dangerous thing.  But how do you know it's happening, and what causes this
to occur?  My sister just went through this experience, and I am wondering if
it can happen to me as well?

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ANSWER:  Let's start with your last question first, for I sense your anxiety
and wish to quiet your fears.  There is nothing inherited about ectopic
pregnancy (the name of the condition when the fertilized egg fails to nest in
the uterus or womb), so the fact that you may share some your sister's genes
does not place you at greater risk for an ectopic pregnancy.  Frankly, we
don't always know the cause, although the situation does seem to befall women
between the ages of 20 and 29 more frequently.  There are some factors that do
seem to increase the risk, such as infections in the fallopian tubes (which
lead from the ovary where the egg is formed to the uterus), which make the
passage of the egg more difficult.  When the tubes have been narrowed by
previous surgery or when tumors block the passage, the egg may not be able to
make its way to the uterus.  When there is tissue that normally forms the
lining of the uterus present in or around the tubes (endometriosis), this too
can form barriers that prevent the normal transit of the egg.  It is sometimes
difficult to make an early diagnosis of the condition, but some signs to look
for are a missed period, followed by abnormal or acute abdominal pain or
abnormal vaginal bleeding, which while sometimes scant is often heavy and
lasts for far longer than a normal period.  Other signs that may be a clue to
an ectopic pregnancy after a missed period are dizziness, headache, weakness
or just a feeling that all is not right.  In any case, an early visit to the
doctor will lead to the necessary tests than can diagnose the condition.  Once
discovered, the only treatment is surgical, to remove the egg which has no
chance to develop, and to correct a situation which is life threatening.  Even
after such surgery, it is still possible for a woman to conceive just about as
easily as in normal circumstances.

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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.