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Question
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What exactly is ectopic pregnancy? My doctor says I might have one.
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Answer
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In order to understand what an ectopic pregnancy is, you need to
first understand how a normal pregnancy occurs. I am going to simplify this
description slightly; but, in essence, this is what happens: Once a month, a
fertile woman releases an egg from one of her ovaries. That egg begins to
travel down the corresponding fallopian tube over the period of a day or so.
It is during this time that the egg must be fertilized in order for a woman to
become pregnant. If the egg reaches the uterus without becoming fertilized,
then a woman will have a normal menstrual cycle and cannot become pregnant
until the next egg is released. If the egg is fertilized while traveling down
the fallopian tube, it will attempt to implant in the wall of the uterus. This
is the way it is supposed to happen.
However, in certain cases, the egg may become fertilized, but will implant in
the wrong spot. This is what an ectopic pregnancy is -- a fertilized egg implanted
somewhere other than the inside of the uterus. Most commonly, this will occur
somewhere inside the Fallopian tube, but it can occur elsewhere.
There simply is not enough room for the growth of an egg into a fetus anywhere
except the uterus. Therefore, an ectopic pregnancy can never result in a normal
birth. Even if there was enough space for the fetus to grow, where would it come
out? Unfortunately, the cell division that takes place following implantation is
a fairly automated process. The now-fertilized egg will continue to develop,
even though there is no chance of a full-term pregnancy. This results in a very
dangerous situation. Sooner or later, the pregnancy will grow to a size
sufficient to burst open wherever it may be, causing internal bleeding, damage,
and probable death.
An ectopic pregnancy left untreated is a life-threatening condition. The reason
your doctor probably suspects (but is not sure) you have an ectopic pregnancy is
that you probably have a positive pregnancy test but no other sign of pregnancy.
This is how ectopic pregnancy is most commonly first detected. However, further
tests such as a sonogram are usually required. I am sorry to say that if you do
indeed have an ectopic pregnancy, there is only one course of action: surgery to
remove the egg. There is no way for this to become a viable pregnancy; and you
would only be facing a life-threatening condition down the road. Luckily, if
treated early, an ectopic pregnancy will not usually impact your ability to
become pregnant later.
I wish you much luck.
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Best,
Dr. Sandor Gardos
MyPleasure provides up-to-date and useful sexual education materials in combination
with a store that allows people to buy, try, and learn about new aspects of
sexuality. We believe everybody deserves a great sex life.
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