Ectopic (or ectopic) pregnancy can occur when a fertilized egg implants itself in a structure other than the uterus, usually in one of the two fallopian tubes. This type of pregnancy does not proceed normally and if neglected for too long, it can lead to serious complications. To be sure, there isn't much you can do to avoid this condition, but there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of it occurring. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, seek immediate medical attention to avoid complications as much as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Reduce Risk Factors
Step 1. Reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Gonorrhea, chlamydia or other STDs can increase the chances of having an ectopic pregnancy; by minimizing the risk of contagion, you check for the possibility of this complication when you get pregnant.
- To decrease exposure to infections, limit the number of sexual partners.
- Always use a condom during sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of contracting a disease.
Step 2. Get treatment for infections early
If you contract an STI, it is important to seek immediate medical attention; the sooner it is treated, the less likely it is to develop inflammation that could damage the reproductive system while increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
- The most common symptoms of venereal infections are abdominal pain, pain when urinating, unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal odor and pain during sexual intercourse.
- However, keep in mind that some infections are asymptomatic; if you are sexually active, you should therefore have regular tests.
Step 3. Stop smoking
Smoking is another risk factor for ectopic pregnancy; if you want to lower the odds, you must stop before trying to conceive.
The more you smoke, the greater the risk of such pregnancy; if you just can't quit, at least try to reduce the number of cigarettes to get some benefits
Step 4. Know the other risk factors
They are numerous and lead to a higher probability than the average of developing this pathological condition. If you have any of the risk characteristics described below and think you are pregnant, it is essential that you contact your gynecologist as soon as possible to assess whether it is a normal or ectopic pregnancy, as it is not possible to distinguish the difference by performing a normal test. home pregnancy:
- You have previously had an ectopic pregnancy;
- You became pregnant despite the use of an intrauterine coil (IUD) or after having had a tubal ligation (both very rare cases);
- You have an abnormal structure of the fallopian tubes;
- You have had fertility problems, especially if you have undergone assisted fertilization techniques (in vitro, assisted reproduction and others);
- You were exposed to the chemical DES (diethylstilbestrol) before birth (this drug was used until 1971, so it becomes less and less common).
Part 2 of 2: Reduce the Risk of Complications and Future Ectopic Pregnancies
Step 1. Follow treatments for ectopic pregnancy symptoms
It is important to undergo treatment immediately; the sooner this disorder is treated, the lower the risk of developing serious complications.
- The most common symptoms are lack of menstruation, pain in the abdominal and lumbar area (which can be on the right or left side), cramps and unusual bleeding from the vagina.
- If the developing fetus causes a tear in the structures that contain it (such as the fallopian tubes) you may experience severe abdominal pain, shoulder pain, hypotension, weakness and pressure in the rectum; it is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention.
- Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can be the same as normal pregnancy, so it's important to see your gynecologist early to make sure you're doing the right thing.
Step 2. If possible, opt for drug treatment instead of surgery to terminate the pregnancy
If you are developing such a pathological condition, these are the two alternatives. If your health conditions allow you to take the medications, this is the preferred solution, as there is less risk of causing damage to the fallopian tubes, which would lead to more chances of another ectopic pregnancy in the future.
- However, drug therapy is only possible when the problem is diagnosed early. The drug that stops cell growth is methotrexate; if you follow this treatment, you have to undergo regular blood tests and you are kept under close observation, you must therefore be able to go to the doctor on time for constant checks.
- Methotrexate causes some side effects, such as indigestion, diarrhea and nausea.
- If you are being treated with this drug, you must also take contraceptives to avoid becoming pregnant again for at least three months; this active ingredient can harm the fetus.
- Surgery is sometimes the best solution, so you should always listen to the advice of the gynecologist. The procedure occurs laparoscopically (through a small incision) and only rarely in laparotomy (larger incision).
Step 3. Report persistent abdominal pain
If you experience this type of pain that does not go away after undergoing treatment for ectopic pregnancy, you must inform your doctor as soon as possible. it can be a sign of an infection, which could increase the risk of future ectopic pregnancies if left untreated.
Step 4. Carefully monitor future pregnancies
While there isn't much you can do to prevent other ectopic pregnancies, you can still prevent them from causing serious complications. If you have had one in the past, you should go to your doctor for blood tests and ultrasound scans as soon as you think you are pregnant again. this caution can help you to identify early if it is a normal pregnancy.
Most women who have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past can still have normal pregnancies; you must not therefore lose hope
Advice
- Coping with an ectopic pregnancy can be very difficult from an emotional point of view, so you don't need to be ashamed to ask for advice or help if you need moral support.
- Ectopic pregnancies are quite rare and represent only 2% of cases; however, this is an occurrence that is increasing due to the increase in sexually transmitted diseases and assisted fertilization.
