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Q: I had an ectopic pregnancy. Will I be able to get pregnant and give birth? I have been trying for a year. I was told I won't be able to have kids because of this. Is this true?
A: By definition, an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus. By far, most of ectopic pregnancies are tubal pregnancies, and, in fact, over 95% of ectopic pregnancies are tubal. Typical risk factors for ectopic pregnancy include pelvic inflammatory disease, prior tubal surgery, history of infertility, age(a much higher incidence in women over 35 years of age), use of an intrauterine device, prior tubal surgery, and ruptured appendix. Repeat tubal pregnancy occur in about 12% of the cases in which a previous ectopic pregnancy occurred. However, this should not be regarded as a contraindication for repeat pregnancy since by carefully monitoring the patient and performing an early ultrasound examination, an ectopic pregnancy may be ruked out. In the past, prognosis regarding pregnancy following ectopic pregnancy was guarded. In fact, about 1/3 of the patients became infertile, about 1/3 had subsequent loss of the fetus due to ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, and about 1/3 had a normal pregnancy. However, with present management of ectopic pregnancy, normal pregnancy rates as high as 85% have been reported.
Specifically addressing your question, you have a rather good chance of having a normal pregnancy following an ectopic pregnancy. However, there is an increased risk of infertility and ectopic pregnacy. When a pregnancy again occurs, you should be carefully monitired by your physician and an early ultrasound examination should be performed to rule out the possibility of a reocurrent ectopic pregnancy.
Updated: 07/12/99
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