Planning a child is an extremely responsible business. Especially for couples who cannot become parents for a long time. Sometimes an "interesting position" is accompanied by various pathologies. For example, an ectopic pregnancy. What could it be because of? How to recognize such a deviation? But to avoid or treat? Every modern girl should understand all this. The said deviation is very dangerous, especially if you do not pay attention to it.
How is conception
Why is an ectopic pregnancy? The reasons for this event are varied. Doctors cannot give a complete list of circumstances in which pregnancy will occur outside the uterine cavity. Therefore, we further consider the most common scenarios.
First, a few words about how conception occurs. It is also necessary to know about this, especially if the girl wants to independently diagnose the pathology of an "interesting position" in herself.
At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the egg begins to mature in the follicle. Approximately in the middle of it (on days 14-15), the follicle bursts and a female cell ready for fertilization breaks out of it. This moment is called ovulation (the most favorable time for conception). The egg begins to move towards the uterus, awaiting fertilization. If a female cell collides with spermatozoa, the fastest of them will penetrate the cavity, thereby conception.
Moving through the fallopian tubes, the egg (normal or already fertilized) "looks for" a place for exit or attachment. Once in the uterus, a female cell with a sperm penetrated into it attaches to the walls. So the pregnancy begins.
If the egg leaves the fallopian tubes unfertilized, it will live in the uterus for another 1-2 days, after which it will die. Thus begins a new menstrual cycle.
What is an ectopic pregnancy
Now it’s clear how conception occurs. What is an ectopic pregnancy? The reason for this event is the attachment of the ovum to the wrong place.
Ectopic pregnancy is a pathology that poses a huge danger to a woman and her body. In this case, the fertilized egg is attached outside the uterine cavity and begins its development in other organs. For example, in the fallopian tubes.
Such an incident can lead to the death of a woman or to serious damage to the body. When the fetus grows to a certain size, there will be a rupture of the fallopian tube (in our case). It is very dangerous. Therefore, it is important to know what can provoke the condition being studied, how to recognize, treat and avoid it.
Types of pregnancy outside the uterus
The pathology mentioned earlier is different. As already mentioned, most often it occurs in the fallopian tubes, which is why it is called tubal pregnancy.
There are various variations in the state of the body in which a fertilized female cell attaches outside the uterus. Their names are usually associated with those organs in which the egg stops.
Here are varieties of ectopic pregnancy:
- pipe;
- abdominal
- ovarian;
- cervical;
- fimbrial;
- isthmic;
- interstitial.
In any case, the pathology under study must be diagnosed as early as possible. Often, such a condition leads either to the death of a woman, or to serious damage to organs. Usually during pregnancy, an abortion is performed outside the uterus, as the fetus cannot develop normally.
The main cause of the problem
What could be an ectopic pregnancy? As we have said, this condition happens for various reasons. Consider the main risk groups.
The main reason for pregnancy outside the uterine cavity is the “gynecology” infectious diseases that have been or have not been cured at the moment, or inflammatory processes.
The thing is that with inflammation of the pelvic organs or in the presence of their diseases, the structure of the fallopian tubes changes. They stop contracting well, which makes the journey of an egg cell through the body very difficult. Accordingly, the attachment of a fertilized female cell takes place somewhere in the fallopian tubes.
Abortion in the Past
The reasons for ectopic pregnancy of women are mainly interested in when they want to become mothers. Unfortunately, this is too late. To reduce the likelihood of the occurrence of such a dangerous event, you need to think about your health from a young age.
The thing is that the second reason for the emergence of an "interesting position" outside the uterine cavity is abortion. Women are especially at risk, who intentionally interrupted pregnancy more than once.
During the abortion process, adhesions in the fallopian tubes or inflammatory processes can occur. The egg will not be able to move to the uterus, which will lead to the attachment thereof out of place.
Important: in some women, the diagnosis of "ectopic pregnancy" is made even after one abortion. It’s better not to agree to such a step, but to think over a contraception plan well.
Spirals and protection
The causes of ectopic pregnancy are diverse. The next scenario is the use of special vaginal spirals as a contraceptive.
Such a device is inserted into the uterine cavity and fixed there. It is believed that the spiral does not allow fertilization of the egg, but this is not so.
First, fertilization occurs if you have sex without protection at a time favorable for the event. Just because of a foreign body, a fertilized egg cannot attach in the right place and stops developing. There is a certain mini-abortion in the early days of an undiagnosed pregnancy.
Secondly, a foreign body in the genitals of a woman leads to an ectopic pregnancy. Why? The fact is that an egg that does not manage to travel through the fallopian tubes can survive and attach itself outside the uterus. This rarely happens, but it happens. Some girls say that even when using the vaginal spiral, they are pregnant. And far from always normal. Rather, this is some kind of exception to the rule when the contraceptive "did not work."
Thirdly, if a woman uses the spiral for more than 5 years, hormonal changes begin to occur in the body. They are associated with the presence of a foreign body in the organs. In this case, the probability of pregnancy outside the uterus increases significantly.
Development problems
Why is an ectopic pregnancy? The reasons may lie in the abnormal development of the genitals or a fertilized egg.
Usually, in the first case, congenital pathologies are implied. Improper egg development most often occurs under the influence of hormones or due to the individual characteristics of the body.
Surgery and tumors
What is an ectopic pregnancy? The cause of this incident may be a surgical intervention in the female urogenital system. Any operation can provoke deviations, after which the egg will not attach where it is supposed to. Signs / symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy “early” (that is, shortly after fertilization) are problematic to recognize.
In addition, quite often the condition under study is due to the presence of malignant tumors and neoplasms in the pelvic organs.
Endometriosis
The causes of ectopic pregnancy are often surprising and alarming women. The thing is that often even initially harmless diseases and habits can provoke a miscarriage or “interesting position” outside the uterus.
For example, some girls have a disease called endometriosis. It is characterized by the growth of the uterine mucosa along the urogenital system of the body. Due to this pathology, the egg is attached in the wrong place. So, a girl can notice an ectopic pregnancy.
Bad habits
But that's not all. It is difficult to believe, but the causes of a tubal ectopic pregnancy (or any other of its varieties) may lie in improper lifestyle management. More precisely - in bad habits.
Ideally, a person should not smoke or drink alcohol, but this is less common. At the time of planning the baby, the couple is recommended to abandon all bad habits and establish nutrition.
Smoking and alcohol in general adversely affect the body. This leads to pathologies of the development of the "interesting position" and to pregnancy outside the uterus.
Important: the use of narcotic drugs is also the reason why women have a studied condition.
Stress and stress
What could be an ectopic pregnancy? For example, from constant stress, worries or overstrain. No wonder people and even some doctors say that all diseases arise from stress. And pregnancy pathologies as well.
Experiences, emotional upheavals, severe overstrain - all this adversely affects the human body and hormonal background. With constant stress, serious chronic diseases can occur.
If in this condition a woman tries to get pregnant, most likely she will encounter the condition being studied. That is why doctors recommend that when planning a child, avoid stress and relax more.
Age-related changes
And because of what can be an ectopic pregnancy? Previously, women were not afraid to give birth early. And the mentioned pathology was less common.
At the moment, some girls are mentally ready for childbirth after 30 years. Women after 35 years old face age-related changes in the body. They reduce the likelihood of a successful conception, increase the likelihood of developing fetal pathologies.
In addition, age after 35 years is the main risk group in terms of the appearance of an ectopic pregnancy. Women can normally give birth at both 40 and 45 years old. Nevertheless, after 35 years of age, girls should understand that the probability of an ovum attachment outside the uterus is much higher than at a young age.
No reason
We examined almost all the causes of an ectopic pregnancy. In the early stages, this pathology can be difficult to diagnose, but it is worth a try. We will talk about the manifestations of the corresponding deviation later. To begin with, we will discuss several more reasons for the development of pregnancy outside the uterus.
Unfortunately, doctors cannot say for sure which women will never encounter the corresponding pathology. Even perfectly healthy girls can find an ectopic pregnancy in themselves, the signs / symptoms in the early stages of which are similar to the usual "interesting position".
According to statistics, 25% of all healthy pregnant women encounter the attachment of an egg outside the uterus. This is a pathology that must be observed. If the woman is really healthy and the cause of the incident has not been identified, we can say that the expectant mother was simply unlucky. The human body is not a fully explored mystery.
ECO
What else are the reasons for an ectopic pregnancy? With IVF and other auxiliary manipulations for fertilization and conception, sometimes pathologies of the development of an "interesting position" arise. But why?
Firstly, in the IVF process, the procedure for artificial insemination can be violated. Then it is not necessary to exclude either "ectopic" or various fetal pathologies.
Secondly, the embryo may not take root. The body will simply begin to reject the egg as a foreign body, and it will not attach where it is needed.
Thirdly, if IVF was successful, it is worth considering all the circumstances listed above for the occurrence of an ectopic pregnancy. For example, stress or overwork. In fact, a normally performed artificial insemination operation has the same risks as a natural pregnancy. That is why IVF requires careful preparation and supervision by doctors.
About manifestation
We examined the causes of an ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms / signs of the manifestation of this pathology are diverse. In the early stages, they are similar to normal pregnancy.
How can one diagnose abnormal pregnancy formation in oneself? Here are the most common manifestations of this provision:
- pains in the lower abdomen, which over time begin to increase;
- bloody (usually profuse) vaginal discharge;
- weak second strip on a pregnancy test;
- pain during sex;
- breast enlargement and soreness.
From the foregoing, it follows that at first the manifestations of the "interesting situation" with pathology are similar to normal pregnancy. Therefore, you will have to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
About diagnosing a condition
We found out the reasons for an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages. Symptoms of this condition were also considered. And how can one know for sure about the developed pathology?
Here is a list of what a woman is recommended to do:
- Wait for a delay in menstruation and do a home rapid pregnancy test. A weak second strip is one of the manifestations of the studied pathology.
- Make a blood test (and urine) for hCG. Usually, with an ectopic pregnancy, this hormone does not grow as fast as with a normally occurring “interesting” situation.
- Go to the gynecologist. Sometimes, during an examination on a chair, a specialist concludes that the egg is attached outside the uterine cavity.
- Contact the ultrasound office. This is the most accurate option for diagnosing the disease. By ultrasound, a specialist doctor can not only help plan pregnancy, but also tell you exactly where the fertilized egg was attached.
That's all. As practice shows, the studied pathology is diagnosed mainly by doctors. It is impossible to make such a dangerous diagnosis on your own.
Disease treatment
The reasons for an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages were presented to our attention. We also got acquainted with methods of diagnosing this pathology. What else should each girl remember?
For example, how is "ectopic" treated. Unfortunately, the preservation of such a pregnancy is not practiced in Russia. Therefore, doctors usually interrupt the "interesting position".
In addition, most often you have to remove the fallopian tube or organ in which the egg is attached. This issue is resolved individually. As a rule, the shorter the period of an "interesting position", the more likely it is to preserve all organs of the reproductive system.
Prevention
The causes and consequences of ectopic pregnancy are now known to us. But how can this situation be avoided?
Unfortunately, no way. We have already said that even perfectly healthy women can experience pregnancy outside the uterus. This is not the most frequent, but occurring phenomenon.
After interrupting this situation, it is necessary to conduct laparoscopy, and then treat all diseases that were found in the pregnant woman. This will help improve your health.
In addition, you will have to regularly visit the gynecologist’s office and take tests prescribed by a specialist. This is extremely important.
Experts say that after pregnancy outside the uterus, one should seriously fear a variety of inflammations and infections. They most often provoke the studied pathology of the development of the "interesting position".
Tips for girls when planning
After studying the causes of an ectopic pregnancy in the early stages, it is worth paying attention to a few tips for planning an "interesting position". They will help to slightly reduce the likelihood of a collision with the corresponding pathology.
Those planning to become parents are recommended:
- Undergo a full medical examination and be treated for infections of the genitourinary and reproductive systems. This recommendation is relevant for both men and women.
- Try to avoid spontaneous sexual intercourse. If planned, be carefully protected. For example, carry condoms.
- Do not have unprotected sex with a sick partner. It implies the presence of a man with STDs and inflammatory processes of the reproductive system.
- During pregnancy planning, establish a diet - refuse fatty, spicy, spicy foods.
- Live a healthy life.
- During pregnancy planning and after the operation to terminate the "ectopic" to eliminate bad habits. It is advisable to do this in advance.
- Relax more, avoid stress and overwork. A good rest and a relaxed atmosphere favorably affect the success of conception.
Conclusion
Above, we carefully studied the causes and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy. We also talked about how to reduce the likelihood of this pathology.
Now it’s clear who is at risk for pregnancy outside the uterus. The causes and consequences of ectopic pregnancy usually affect women's health. Sometimes this situation leads to the removal of the uterus and its appendages, to infertility.
Important: after one "ectopic" girl has a high chance of a second encounter with pathology. Now it’s clear how to distinguish the signs of an ectopic pregnancy. The timing of the diagnosis of the disease is extremely short. The faster a woman suspects something is wrong, the higher the chances of a successful termination of pregnancy without serious consequences.