gynecology and obstetrics
Ectopic Pregnancy
Etiology of Ectopic Pregnancy
Most ectopic pregnancies are located in the fallopian tube, and any history of infection or surgery that increases the risk of tubal adhesions or other abnormalities increases risk of ectopic pregnancy. Factors that particularly increase risk of ectopic pregnancy include Prior ectopic pregnancy Prior pelvic surgery, particularly tubal surgery, including Tubal Sterilization None Tubal abnormalities or damage (eg, due to ascending infection or surgery) Assisted Reproductive Techniques used in current pregnancy, particularly with history of tubal infertility or multiple embryo transfer Other risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include History of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or Overview of Infertility None Cigarette smoking Overall, becoming pregnant is much less likely in patients who have had tubal sterilization or have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place; however, when pregnancy does occur in these patients, risk of ectopic pregnancy is increased (eg, approximately 53% in pregnancies in current IUD users) ( Etiology reference ). 1.Backman T, Rauramo I, Huhtala S, Koskenvuo M: Pregnancy during the use oflevonorgestrelintrauterine system.Am J Obstet Gynecol190(1):50-54, 2004. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2003.07.021 