Without treatment this condition can cause serious problems, including death. The best way to take care of yourself is to pay close attention to your health. Monitor physical changes and symptoms related to your menstrual cycle, and tell the doctor about any abnormal bleeding or unusual pain between menstrual periods. Pelvic inflammatory disease is the most common, preventable factor associated with ectopic pregnancy. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause pelvic inflammatory disease.
Infection can damage the fallopian tubes and make an ectopic pregnancy more likely.
Avoid such infections by following safe sex practices. Not all ectopic pregnancies can be prevented, but reporting any suspicious symptoms immediately to a doctor can help prevent serious problems and complications if an ectopic pregnancy does occur. Developed by Phyllis G. Cooper, R.N., M.N., and Clinical Reference Systems.