Ectopic Pregnancy Pain Meaning Journal

The ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterus. Its frequency is about 1.6%. Who has had an ectopic pregnancy is more likely to have another, increasing this percentage to 13%. Ectopic pregnancies are located primarily in the trunk, but can also be placed in the cervix, uterine horn, ovary and abdominal cavity.

Years ago it was thought they were more common after assisted reproduction treatment, and although it seems that this relationship is clearly defined as a risk factor, this may be due to the characteristics of patients undergoing IVF, since many of they have tubal disease and other genital organs that increase the risks. So we know that tubal pathology as hydrosalpinx or tubal endometriosis might favor this abnormal implantation.

The diagnosis is clinical, ultrasound and analytical. These patients may have intermittent bleeding with positive pregnancy test and levels of HCG (pregnancy hormone detected) that do not increase regularly. (Will double every 48 hours in a normal pregnancy). Ultrasonography shows the empty uterus with levels of HCG and should allow to see a gestational sac, these levels are set between 1000 and 1500 U / l.

Ultimately, this pregnancy can progress to tubal abortion that can resolve spontaneously or lead to hemoperitoneum (blood in the abdominal cavity) without resolution could endanger the life of the patient. These complications are now rare, advances that exist today are treated with surgery in which is necessary in most cases the removal of the tube affects. Typically, and especially in pregnancies arising after treatment of reproduction is that the diagnosis is analytic (higher levels of abnormal HCG) with ultrasound findings consistent with ectopic pregnancy.

The early diagnosis is essential: the earliest will be less aggressive. Early treatment, when the patient is usually asymptomatic doctor, although you can choose to await spontaneous resolution, with monitoring of the evolution of the picture. This treatment consists of a single intramuscular injection of a medication called methotrexate, which makes it very convenient application. As the delay increases the need for surgery: removal of the tube affects (salpingectomy) or repair of this (salpingostomy).