Also known as
# Tubal pregnancy
Description
# An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus. The ectopic site can be a fallopian tube, ovary, or anywhere in the abdominal cavity.
# An ectopic pregnancy is not viable and requires medical or surgical treatment.
# Approximately 1% of pregnancies are ectopic.
# Risk factors
# History of pelvic inflammatory disease
# Use of an intrauterine device for contraception
# History of infertility
# History of gonorrhea or chlamydia infection
# History of a ruptured appendix (appendix "burst" before surgery)
# History of a previous ectopic pregnancy
# History of tubal surgery
Symptoms
# Lower abdominal cramps
# Missed period or painful period
# Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
# Pelvic pain
# May have backache and shoulder pain
# Adnexal mass
# Positive pregnancy test
Diagnosis
# Blood tests
# Serum beta-HCG (pregnancy test) at lower level than expected for a normal pregnancy
# Imaging
# Ultrasound
# Laparascopy
Similar conditions
# Acute appendicitis
# Pelvic inflammatory disease
# Ovarian torsion
# Kidney stone
Treatment
# Surgical removal of ectopic pregnancy (by laparoscopy)
# Methotrexate - a medication that can be given in place of surgery, to expel an early ectopic pregnancy
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