Ectopic pregnancy

Definition

Ectopic pregnancy is a condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, often in the fallopian tubes. This can lead to severe complications and requires immediate medical attention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ectopic pregnancies are commonly associated with bacterial infections like Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
2. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and signs of shock if rupture occurs.
3. Diagnosis typically involves ultrasound imaging and measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels.
4. Untreated ectopic pregnancies can cause life-threatening hemorrhage due to tubal rupture.
5. Risk factors include previous ectopic pregnancies, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and surgical procedures on the fallopian tubes.

Review Questions

• What are the common bacterial infections linked to ectopic pregnancy?
• Which diagnostic methods are used to confirm an ectopic pregnancy?
• What are potential risk factors for developing an ectopic pregnancy?

Related terms

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.

Chlamydia trachomatis:

A bacterial pathogen frequently implicated in urogenital infections that can lead to complications like PID and ectopic pregnancy.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae:

A bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, which can also cause PID and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.