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Ectopic Pregnancy & STDs

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One in every sixty pregnancies, according to americanpregnancies.org, will be an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is essentially when the egg is fertilized while in the fallopian tube – which isn’t abnormal, and fails to travel into the uterus to implant – which is abnormal. Ectopic pregnancies can cause extreme pain and discomfort, much like an appendicitis flare-up. In very rare cases an Ectopic pregnancy can come to term, which happened twice in 2008; both were “non-tubal” pregnancies, one in the ovary itself and the other in the omentum.

Why do STDs Increase the Risk?

Many STDs, such as Herpes, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea are known to lead to a painful condition known as “PID” or “Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder” if left untreated. What this means is that the uterus and fallopian tubes can become infected and damaged. PID can cause other reproductive disasters such as infertility, as well as painful abscesses and chronic pain. Another unfortunate side-effect of this disease is a greatly increased chance of an ectopic pregnancy. This is because the uterus, often times, can no longer support a pregnancy due to the infection. With PID the risk of an ectopic pregnancy shoots up to one in twenty.

Why?

When there’s an internal event – such as a severe bacterial infection, constant inflammations, and abscesses, the tissues begin to react. Very soon the tissues within the uterus will harden. Without a soft cushion to bury itself in, the egg may continue on and implant in other areas. Alternatively, damaged scar tissue in the fallopian tubes may completely prevent the egg from leaving to begin with, forcing it to implant right where it is.

Can Pelvic Inflamtory Disease be cured?

PID can be treated with antibiotics, but only if you seek the assistance of a doctor immediately. The longer the condition is left untreated, the more likely you are to have an ectopic pregnancy – or be unable to get pregnant at all.

Can it be prevented?

The most sure-fire way to prevent PID is to avoid sexual intercourse with a partner you aren’t in a committed long-term relationship with. However, as many women choose to have other partners, it’s important to be sure you insist on a condom as a barrier for possible STD transmission.

The CDC has begun to recommend that any woman under twenty-five and any women with multiple partners insist on yearly Chlamydia testing as Chlamydia is the leading cause of PID. If an STD is caught early it can be treated effectively which will avoid the possibility of the infection spreading and causing PID.

What are Symptoms of PID?

If you suspect you may have PID, you should consult with your doctor immediately. Some common symptoms include:

1. Unexplained pain in the lower abdomen (IE not menstrual or pre-menstrual cramps)
2. Abnormal vaginal discharge
3. Fever
4. Painful urination
5. Pain during intercourse

How does a Doctor Test for PID?

The doctor will take a swab from your vagina and cervix, just like a pap smear. This is a good time to ask for a full gamut of tests, just to eliminate any other possibilities. The doctor may also check for a UTI or “urinary tract infection” as an alternative cause for the pain, and will suggest a pregnancy test to rule out an ectopic pregnancy right away.

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