Hello, thanks for writing to us.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the implantation of the embryo occurs at other than the regular site, which is uterus. The embryo is the result of the union of sperm and ovary, and this union happens in the tube. The most common cause for the ectopic pregnancy is the mechanical obstruction of the tube or distorted structure of the tube.
The following are the conditions where distortion of the tubal structure is seen:
- Previous infection in the tube/ pelvic inflammatory infection: in the process of healing, it causes constriction bands resulting in fibrosis
- History of sexually transmitted diseases
- Previous history of (ruptured) ectopic pregnancy
- Tuberculosis of the tube
- Failed tubectomy can lead to incomplete recanalisation leading to obstruction of zygote's movement.
- Tubal reconstruction surgery
- A structural defect in the tubes, by birth.
- Artificial insemination .
- Abnormalities in the uterus/ uterinetumours can interfere with the normal migration of the fertilized egg.
The diagnosis made on the basis of the symptoms and signs cannot be accurate in ectopic pregnancy and it can be done in only 50% of cases. When a pregnant woman presents with bizarre clinical features, like vaginal bleeding, altered colour, and constant pain abdomen-one can consider ectopic pregnancy.
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is most common finding in undiagnosed tubal pregnancy and is an emergency condition.
In your case, it is difficult to diagnose ectopic when the symptoms do not exist. But it is better that you visit our physician and get an ultrasound abdomen done. That is how it can be picked up even before the symptoms appear. An unruptured ectopic pregnancy can be diagnosed just by visualising it in the sonogram even before the clinical features are seen.
A routine early pregnancy scan is to be done to check the pregnancy status.
Hope this helps.