Infertility Overview

 

 

 

 

 

h When To Seek Infertility
Treatment

h Finding the Cause of your Infertility

h Overview of Infertility Treatment

h What is Reproductive
Endocrinology_

h Books about Infertility

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h Reversal of Tubal Ligation

h Infertility Over 40

h Male Infertility

h Donor Egg IVF

h Endometriosis and Infertility

h Uterine Fibroids

h Recurrent Miscarriage

h Ectopic Pregnancy

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h Reading Between the Lines Part I: IVF Statistics

h Reading Between the Lines Part II: IVF Fees

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h Links to Infertility Sites

h Finding a Fertility Specialist

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h "About Infertility" en espaņol

 

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Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) (also called tubal pregnancy) occurs when a fertilized egg (ovum, embryo) implants at a site other than the endometrial lining of the uterus. The incidence of EP in 1992 was 108,000 or 19.7 per 1000 reported pregnancies. Four of out 10 ectopic pregnancies occur in women between 20 to 29 years old. Over 75% of these cases are caught before the 12th week of pregnancy.

With an EP, the embryo implants outside the uterus but continues to grow and expand. Occasionally, the ectopic pregnancy will simply deteriorate spontaneously and will be absorbed by the body. However, it can rupture, and if it is inside the fallopian tube (as the majority are), the tube may also rupture if not treated in time. This can cause many serious problems, especially bleeding, infection, infertility, and even death. Therefore, early diagnosis and assessment of the woman's condition is critical in determining the appropriate care to maintain her safety and health.

The goals of treatment for EP are the preservation of the mother's safety, and the protection of her reproductive ability. The woman's condition must be ascertained to determine if immediate surgical intervention is required, or if a more conservative approach may safely be taken.

Treatment may include medications or surgical intervention.


More detailed information on ectopic pregnancy
is available from   The Medifocus Guide on Ectopic Pregnancy provides answers to the following questions:
  • What are the most common symptoms of ectopic pregnancy_
  • Are there any recognized risk factors for developing ectopic pregnancy_
  • What kinds of medical tests are used to establish the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy_
  • What is the current standard of care for the treatment of ectopic pregnancy_
  • What treatment options are available for the management of ectopic pregnancy_
  • Are there any promising new developments or potential breakthroughs in treatment_
  • What are the most important questions to ask my doctor about ectopic pregnancy_
This Medifocus Guide contains an extensive listing of citations and abstracts of recent journal articles that have been published about this condition in trustworthy medical journals. 

 

(The material on this site is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to substitute for the recommendations of your doctor.  Every case is different, and only your own physician can advise you regarding your particular situation.)