$Unique_ID{BRK00217}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth}
$Title{Is Tubal Pregnancy the Same as Ectopic Pregnancy?}
$Subject{pregnancy tubal ectopic}
$Volume{K-14}
$Log{
Diseases of the Female Organs*0009001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Tubal Pregnancy the Same as Ectopic Pregnancy?


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QUESTION:  I need to know more about tubal pregnancy and have been trying to
read up on it.  Is it the same as an ectopic pregnancy?  Please help, it is
very important to me.

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ANSWER:  Your question is a timely one and it is obvious that you have been
doing your homework, so I am glad to help.  First a matter of definitions.  An
ectopic pregnancy is any conception in which the egg develops outside of the
uterus, and may take place on the ovary, or in the pelvic or abdominal cavity,
but particularly in the fallopian tubes which form the passage between the
ovary and the uterus.  When the egg implants in the tube it gains the name of
tubal pregnancy, a special type of ectopic pregnancy.  Ectopic pregnancies are
on the rise and in 1985 occurred in one out of every 59 live births.  Possible
explanations for this increase may be the increasing frequency of pelvic
inflammatory disease, IUD use, lower tract sexually transmitted disease or
possibly an increase in tubal surgery and in vitro fertilization.
Incidentally the use of and IUD will not prevent ectopic pregnancy.  When
tubal pregnancy occurs, it is heralded by spotting and cramping pain which
begin shortly after the first missed period.  This is caused by bleeding in
the tube caused by the developing egg, and as the hemorrhage increase the
signs increase in intensity and severity.  The patient may go into shock if
bleeding is severe and requires immediate emergency treatment.  The only
treatment is surgical, and must be performed as early as possible.  If the
tube has not yet ruptured, every effort is made to save it by removing the
pregnancy through a surgical opening in the tube, and then repairing it.  Even
when the tube is severely damaged, as much of it as possible is left in place
to be used in future efforts to reconstruct the tube and allow a subsequent
normal pregnancy.  If you have suffered a recent tubal pregnancy, which I
suspect motivates your interest in this subject, it is important to have a sit
down discussion with your physician, so you may know your present state and
plan for the future.
ÿ
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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.
