Ectopic of Interest

Newspaper Column Ad Appearing 8-27-03

An ectopic pregnancy, which occurs in about 10 out of every 1,000 pregnancies, involves a fertilized egg that implants outside the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes. If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy will rupture the fallopian tube causing severe internal bleeding and shock. Thus, women should be aware of symptoms that are indicative of this potentially dangerous condition. They include crampy pain with tenderness on one side of the lower abdomen (although it can radiate throughout the abdomen), vaginal spotting or bleeding, and nausea as well as a weak pulse, shoulder pain, and clammy skin. Any of these symptoms should prompt immediate attention. Immediate removal of the ectopic pregnancy and repair of the fallopian tube can prevent further damage. Such procedures can be now performed laparoscopically as an outpatient surgery and do not require major incisions. Occasionally, if the tube is not yet ruptured, medical treatment can be used to arrest further progression of the ectopic pregnancy which is then spontaneously resorbed. However, a diseased fallopian tube that led to the ectopic pregnancy, if not removed, can cause another ectopic pregnancy later.

With ectopic pregnancy, women often do not know they are pregnant until a crisis occurs. Symptoms such as these should alert any woman who might have conceived to promptly call her physician for instructions. If damage from a previous ectopic pregnancy is hindering your ability to conceive, please call us for a consultation. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please telephone OAK BROOK FERTILITY CENTER, a medical practice devoted to reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and assisted reproductive technology. A place where dreams are conceived and hopes delivered. New patients are welcome.

P.S. A pelvic examination, blood tests, ultrasound, or laparoscopic surgery can diagnose an ectopic pregnancy.

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