Ectopic pregnancy risk factors: who is more likely

What an ectopic pregnancy is

The uterus, or womb, is where a fetus grows during pregnancy. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg grows in the wrong place, outside the uterus. It usually occurs in the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Sometimes it can occur in the ovaries, the abdominal cavity, or the lower part of the uterus (the cervix) (MedlinePlus).

An ectopic pregnancy cannot end in a healthy pregnancy because the egg cannot grow. If the pregnancy continues, the fallopian tube can burst. This can cause internal bleeding, which can be a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate surgery (MedlinePlus).

Who is more likely to have one

An ectopic pregnancy often happens because there is a problem with the fallopian tubes, but sometimes it is not clear why it happens (MedlinePlus). MedlinePlus lists these factors that may increase the risk (MedlinePlus):

• a previous ectopic pregnancy;
• prior pelvic, abdominal, or fallopian tube surgery;
• certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
• pelvic inflammatory disease;
• endometriosis;
• becoming pregnant while using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control;
• becoming pregnant after a tubal ligation.

Other factors that may increase the risk include (MedlinePlus):

• smoking;
• being older than age 35;
• infertility treatments.

Some of these factors have their own checks on this site: see the chlamydia and gonorrhea screening check for who the USPSTF says should be tested for these STIs, and the quit smoking check for help to stop smoking.

Symptoms and warning signs

You may not notice any symptoms at first. Or you may have some of the usual signs of pregnancy, such as a missed period, breast tenderness, or nausea. Early signs of an ectopic pregnancy may be light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain (MedlinePlus).

Get medical care right away if you have abdominal (belly) pain, shoulder pain, vaginal bleeding, or feel dizzy or faint (MedlinePlus). The Office on Women's Health lists the same four signs for ectopic pregnancy (Office on Women's Health).

Diagnosis and treatment

An ectopic pregnancy cannot be diagnosed without blood tests and an ultrasound. A health care provider will do a pregnancy test to confirm the pregnancy and may do a pelvic exam to check for areas of pain, tenderness, or a mass (MedlinePlus).

An ectopic pregnancy needs treatment to stop any damage to your organs. A provider will use medicine or surgery to take out the ectopic tissue (MedlinePlus). The Office on Women's Health also says drugs or surgery are used to remove the ectopic tissue so your organs are not damaged (Office on Women's Health).

After an ectopic pregnancy

Losing a pregnancy can be devastating. An ectopic pregnancy is like a miscarriage, but it must be treated to prevent problems. People cope with grief in different ways, and it may help to talk about your feelings with your provider or a counselor. Many women who have had ectopic pregnancies go on to have healthy pregnancies later (MedlinePlus).

Common questions

Where does an ectopic pregnancy usually happen?

Usually in a fallopian tube. Less often it occurs in an ovary, the abdominal cavity, or the cervix (MedlinePlus).

Does endometriosis raise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy?

MedlinePlus lists endometriosis among the factors that may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (MedlinePlus).

Can you have a healthy pregnancy after an ectopic pregnancy?

Many women who have had ectopic pregnancies go on to have healthy pregnancies later. A previous ectopic pregnancy is also listed as a risk factor for another one (MedlinePlus).