Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy
There are many causes of ectopic pregnancy. For example, if the fallopian tube has been damaged in any way this can make an ectopic pregnancy more likely. Normally when an egg is released from the ovary little hairs, known as cilia, gently push the egg down the fallopian tube towards the womb. If the tube is blocked or if the cilia have been damaged and the egg becomes fertilised, then this increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Some risk factors increase the likelihood of a woman suffering an ectopic pregnancy, but very often there is no obvious known reason.
Below are some known risk factors:
• Age - the older you are the higher your risk of tubal pregnancy.
• Previous Ectopic Pregnancy - 10-20 per cent of women who have previously had an ectopic pregnancy are at an increased risk of having another.
• Previous Abortion - if you have had two or more abortions (terminations) then your risk of ectopic pregnancy is increased, especially if you had an infection afterwards.
• Tubal Surgery - if you have had any surgery on your fallopian tubes, such as that required for a previous ectopic pregnancy, then you are at increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - if you have suffered from an illness such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea in the past then these infections can cause scar tissue to form in the fallopian tubes leading to blockages, or the cilia may be damaged. PID is one of the most common causes of ectopic pregnancy.
• IVF and Ovulation Induction - Assisted reproduction techniques like IVF treatment can raise your chances of suffering an ectopic.
• DES Exposure - DES is a drug that was used in the past during pregnancy but which was later found to raise the risk of female babies developing abnormalities in their reproductive systems. Their tubes were often found to be abnormal and thus more likey to lead to ectopic pregnancy in later life.
Related Articles
Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy
Treatments for Ectopic Pregnancy
Pregnancy after Ectopic Pregnancy
Further Information