Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. Most occur in the fallopian tubes, but a fertilized egg may implant in the ovaries, cervix or abdomen. Because the fallopian tubes are not big enough to hold a growing embryo, the pregnancy cannot continue normally. If the ectopic pregnancy is found early enough, the embryo is removed and the tube is saved. In some cases the fallopian tube stretches and ruptures, causing a medical emergency.

Most ectopic pregnancies occur because the fertilized egg cannot pass through the fallopian tube to the uterus. The single greatest risk factor for narrowed or blocked tubes is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Other risk factors include a history of endometriosis, previous tubal pregnancy, multiple induced abortions, pelvic adhesions, use of medications to stimulate ovulation or use of an IUD (intrauterine device).

Symptoms include a sharp pain in the abdomen or pelvis, abdominal tenderness, irregular vaginal bleeding after a skipped period, dizziness or fainting. The treatment depends on the size of the embryo and whether the tube has ruptured. In all cases, the pregnancy must be terminated. If the embryo is small, either medication or surgery may be used to save the fallopian tube. If the tube has ruptured, emergency surgery must be done to remove the embryo. The tube may also have to be removed. A woman who has lost a fallopian tube can still become pregnant with the remaining tube. A woman with a history of ectopic pregnancy should contact her physician early in a subsequent pregnancy to discuss the risk for another ectopic pregnancy.

For more information about birth control methods contact  Genesee County Health Department Family Planning Services at McCree North at (810) 600-2439 or at Burton at (810) 237-4538.