If a tube is damaged in any way, the fertilized egg may never complete its journey to the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies rarely last past eight weeks. Ectopic pregnancy is a life threatening condition. Although recognized by physicians from at least the tenth century, ectopic pregnancies can be difficult to diagnose, and sometimes evaluation is made with ultrasound or laparoscopy. If you suspect that you have an ectopic pregnancy, go immediately to your doctor's office or an emergency room, since this problem goes from bad to worse quickly.
Treatment varies from drugs to surgery.
The rate of ectopic pregnancy increased more than fourfold between 1970 and 1990, in part because of damage to women's reproductive systems caused by sexually transmitted diseases, in particular chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as pelvic inflammatory disease which is often, but not always, sexually transmitted. Maternal age, number of children, abortion and miscarriage history are not known factors. The consequences of an ectopic pregnancy depend on many factors and range from no damage to your reproductive organs to the complete removal of a ruptured fallopian tube. Overall, women who have had one ectopic pregnancy have a greater chance of a subsequent ectopic pregnancy, and a 20 to 40 percent chance of infertility. Although less than two percent of pregnant women have an ectopic pregnancy, it is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in the first three months.