Limit your number of sexual partners in order to reduce your risk of exposure. Always use a condom during sex to reduce your risk of contracting a disease.
Common symptoms of STIs include abdominal pain, painful urination, vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal odor, and pain during sex. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some infections are asymptomatic. It’s a good idea to get tested regularly if you are sexually active.
The more you smoke, the higher your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy will be, so if you can’t quit, even reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke may be beneficial.
Women who have had a previous ectopic pregnancy Women who get pregnant while they have an IUD or after having a tubal ligation procedure (both of which are very rare) Women who have structural abnormalities of the fallopian tubes Women who have struggled with fertility problems, especially women treated with assisted reproduction technologies (IVF, ART, etc. ) Women who were exposed to the chemical DES (diethylstilbestrol) before birth (DES was last used in 1971, so this is becoming less common)[7] X Research source
Common symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include missing periods, pain in the low back and abdomen (can be on the right or left side), cramping, abnormal vaginal bleeding. If your ectopic pregnancy ruptures, you may experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, shoulder pain, low blood pressure, faintness, and pressure in the rectum. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate medical care. Early symptoms of ectopic pregnancy may be the same as the symptoms of a normal pregnancy, so it’s important to see your doctor early to ensure that your pregnancy is developing normally.
Medication is usually only an option if the ectopic pregnancy is detected early. The medication used to stop cell growth is called methotrexate. If methotrexate is used, the patient will be required to follow up regularly for blood tests and close observation, so you must be able to commit to returning for follow up appointments. Methotrexate can cause side effects, including indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea. If you were given methotrexate, use birth control to avoid becoming pregnant again for at least three months. Exposure to methotrexate may harm your unborn child. [10] X Research source Surgery is sometimes the best option, so always listen to your doctor’s advice. Surgery is done laparoscopically (through tiny incisions) and only rarely through a laparotomy (large incision).
Most women who have ectopic pregnancies go on to have normal pregnancies, so don’t give up hope.
