An embryo implanted outside the uterus has no chance of survival and poses a great risk to the pregnant woman. In most cases, ectopic pregnancy ends in miscarriage, but if this has not happened at the time of diagnosis, the only option is to terminate the pregnancy as soon as possible. The specialist will evaluate the case and decide the best treatment: pharmacological or surgical.
The causes of ectopic pregnancy can be various, such as congenital defects, endometriosis, infections, smoking, maternal age, etc.
Ectopic pregnancy usually manifests itself from the sixth week of gestation with vaginal bleeding and intense pain in the lower abdomen. The pain may also radiate to the shoulder and dizziness and even fainting may occur.
Diagnosis is confirmed by a transvaginal ultrasound, as well as a blood test to determine the level of hCG. This hormone is produced almost exclusively in embryonic tissue, and is therefore an excellent biochemical marker that a woman is pregnant, even if it is an ectopic pregnancy.
