$Unique_ID{BRK00812}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth}
$Title{How is an Ectopic Pregnancy Detected and How is it Treated?}
$Subject{ectopic pregnancy diagnosis}
$Volume{K-14}
$Log{
Diseases of the Female Organs*0009001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How is an Ectopic Pregnancy Detected and How is it Treated?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  It seems I hear more and more often about incidents of ectopic
pregnancy--especially in women around my age (early 30's).  How is an ectopic
pregnancy detected and how is it treated?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Ectopic gestation, which can include any pregnancy where the
fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus, is, as you've noticed,
on the rise.  The number of ectopic pregnancies has tripled in the past 15
years, and presently accounts for a significant number of maternal deaths.
For these reasons, diagnostic and care procedures are becoming more
sophisticated.
     Ectopic pregnancies have always been difficult to detect.  A number of
symptoms occurring together, can generate suspicion of an ectopic condition.
Delayed menstruation, irregular spotting or bleeding, pelvic pain, possible
shock or shoulder pain are some symptoms that might cause a patient to seek
the advice of a hospital or physician.  First, is the all important history
and physical exam.  The next step is for the physician to administer a battery
of diagnostic tests.  A pelvic sonogram is one testing technique that is
increasingly used, along with other tests, including the vital pregnancy test.
     Other clues are provided by the woman's gynecological history.  The
history of previous pelvic infection is an important clue.  A significant
number of women--between 80 and 90 percent--with ectopic pregnancies have
given birth to more than one child previously, and some may have had a
previous ectopic conceptions.  One very significant factor is the woman's
method of birth control, as a retained intrauterine birth control device
(IUD), a tubal ligation or tuboplasty can increase the likelihood of ectopic
gestation.
     In 9 out of 10 extra-uterine pregnancies, the site is the Fallopian tube,
usually on the right side.  Other locations include the abdomen, the cervix or
the ovaries.  The danger of the condition varies from location to location,
with one of the worst being the cervix, due to the likelihood of
life-threatening hemorrhage.
     Treatment of an ectopic pregnancy is surgical.  The type of operation
required depends on the amount of blood already lost, on the patient's desire
or need for future fertility.  In about 10 percent of cases, the woman can
expect the problem to occur again.  Infertility is a problem for half, and 30
percent can expect permanent sterility.
ÿ
----------------

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.
