How To Avoid Ectopic Pregnancy Through IVF

Unlike a typical pregnancy that occurs when the sperm fertilizes the egg in the womb, an ectopic pregnancy happens in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or cervix. These places are not meant to carry a developing fetus. It’s important to end ectopic pregnancies, but the good news is that women can take steps to prevent this condition.

Ayushman Infertility Center provides specialized solutions to reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy through advanced IVF technologies and personalized care. Take the first step towards a safer and more successful parenthood journey – consult today for expert guidance and comprehensive fertility solutions.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants somewhere other than the lining of the uterus. If not recognized and treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications. Detecting it early requires specialized knowledge and can be challenging.

How common are ectopic pregnancies?

It’s a strange coincidence that the first successful IVF resulted in an ectopic pregnancy! The occurrence of clinical pregnancies through assisted reproductive technology (ART) varies from 2.1% to 9.4%. The number of ectopic pregnancies in natural conceptions is around 1-2%. The use of frozen embryo transfers is decreasing.

Risks and Reasons for Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies can happen due to various reasons, often linked to other health issues that create complications and raise the chances of an ectopic pregnancy. Abnormal growths, congenital disabilities, inflammation, or infections can cause an abnormal shape in the fallopian tube, referred to as an obstructed fallopian tube. Additionally, surgical adhesions, scar tissue from previous operations, or diseases in the fallopian tube can also contribute to the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

What causes ectopic pregnancies?

Ectopic pregnancies can result from various factors, including deformities in the fallopian tubes, hormonal issues, or abnormalities in fertilized eggs. Some individuals may be at a higher risk due to certain fertility procedures. For example, during in vitro fertilization (IVF), the fertilized egg is intended to reach the uterus. Still, contractions might push it toward the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Steps to reduce the risk:

  • Prompt STI Treatment: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Early detection through regular testing is crucial for effective treatment. Untreated STIs can cause inflammation in the reproductive organs, leading to ectopic pregnancies.
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking is linked to various health issues, including ectopic pregnancy. Quitting smoking is advised, especially for those trying to conceive, as it can improve overall reproductive health.
  • Sperm Transmigration: It occurs when sperm moves to the ovaries or fallopian tubes, fertilizing an egg outside the uterine lining. While it can happen spontaneously, women with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes are more susceptible. Salpingostomy, a procedure to clear the fallopian tube, may be performed to address this issue.
  • Sperm Transmigration: It occurs when sperm moves to the ovaries or fallopian tubes, fertilizing an egg outside the uterine lining. While it can happen spontaneously, women with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes are more susceptible. Salpingostomy, a procedure to clear the fallopian tube, may be performed to address this issue.

How is ectopic pregnancy identified?

Identifying an ectopic pregnancy quickly is crucial for a better outcome, as it can cause significant physical and emotional harm to the patient.

Doctors use physical symptoms and signs like abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and hemodynamic instability to make a diagnosis. The diagnostic process involves a combination of transvaginal sonography and measuring serum-hCG levels over time. In an ectopic pregnancy, beta hormone levels will be lower than expected for the corresponding stage of pregnancy, and an ultrasound will show the absence of a gestational sac in the uterus. A gestational sac is typically visible when beta hCG levels are above 1500 IU/L.

How might this affect future pregnancies?

Many women who go through an ectopic pregnancy can still have successful pregnancies in the future, depending on the medical treatment and the condition of their fallopian tubes.

If a fallopian tube is cut or damaged, it may be more challenging to conceive again. The chances of getting pregnant are around 60% if the tube is left in place and remains open. Women who wish to become pregnant after experiencing an ectopic pregnancy should consult with a fertility specialist.

Routine monitoring of HCG levels is necessary until they reach zero, especially for those who didn’t have their entire fallopian tube removed. If HCG levels stay high, there might still be ectopic tissue present. In such cases, a surgical procedure or a methotrexate injection may be required.

Conclusion

Ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube instead of the womb, remains a serious and potentially life-threatening issue. For women at risk, especially those who have had multiple ectopic pregnancies, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is recommended. It’s important to note, though, that there is no guarantee that a woman will not have an ectopic pregnancy even after undergoing IVF.

Ayushman Infertility Centre stands as a beacon of hope for couples aiming to conceive through IVF while minimizing the risks of ectopic pregnancy. With personalized treatment plans, expert guidance, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive care, Ayushman is dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood safely and successfully.

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