Ectopic Pregnancy
A pregnancy implanted outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube, requiring prompt treatment.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterine cavity — 95% are in a fallopian tube. The embryo cannot survive and the condition is life-threatening if the tube ruptures. Risk factors include prior tubal surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and a previous ectopic pregnancy.
Diagnosis combines rising (but abnormally slow) beta hCG levels and transvaginal ultrasound showing no intrauterine gestational sac. Treatment is medical (methotrexate injection) if caught early, or surgical (laparoscopic salpingostomy or salpingectomy) if rupture is imminent. After an ectopic, fertility evaluation is recommended before trying again.
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