Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic Pregnancy (pronounced: ek-TOP-ik preg-nan-see) is a medical condition where a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.
Etymology
The term "Ectopic" originates from the Greek word "ektopos" meaning "out of place".
Definition
An Ectopic Pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo attaches outside the uterus. It is a life-threatening condition to the mother as the growing embryo can rupture the organ that contains it, causing internal bleeding.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy may include abdominal pain, absence of menstrual periods, vaginal bleeding, and symptoms of pregnancy such as breast tenderness or morning sickness. However, some women do not have any noticeable symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause of an Ectopic Pregnancy is often unclear, but it's usually associated with a condition that blocks or slows down the movement of a fertilized egg through the fallopian tube to the uterus. This could be due to a physical blockage in the tube or abnormal growths.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an Ectopic Pregnancy involves a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, and blood tests to check pregnancy hormone levels.
Treatment
Treatment options for an Ectopic Pregnancy include observation, medication, or surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the location of the ectopic pregnancy, the woman's symptoms, and whether she wants to have children in the future.
Related Terms
- Fallopian Tube: The tube through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.
- Embryo: An early stage in the development of a human, from conception until approximately the end of the second month of pregnancy.
- Uterus: The organ in the lower body of a woman where offspring are conceived and in which they gestate before birth.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ectopic Pregnancy
- Wikipedia's article - Ectopic Pregnancy
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