Overview
Ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical condition in which a fertilized egg implants and begins to develop outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. It is a life-threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated promptly because it can cause internal bleeding and shock. In South Korea, advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical options are available to manage ectopic pregnancies effectively and reduce complications.
What is Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg does not travel to the uterus for implantation. Instead, it attaches to another area, most often the fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy), but sometimes the ovary, abdominal cavity, or cervix. These pregnancies cannot proceed normally, and without prompt treatment, they can rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy often appear between the 4th and 12th week of pregnancy and may include:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain, often on one side
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Shoulder tip pain (from internal bleeding irritating the diaphragm)
- Dizziness or fainting
- Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting
- Signs of shock in severe cases (rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, pale skin)
Causes
Ectopic pregnancies can result from conditions that interfere with the normal movement of the fertilized egg into the uterus:
- Damage or scarring of the fallopian tubes from infection, surgery, or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis causing adhesions
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Certain fertility treatments or assisted reproductive technologies
- Smoking, which may affect tubal function
Risk Factors
- Age over 35
- History of pelvic inflammatory disease
- Previous ectopic pregnancy
- Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception (rarely)
- Tubal surgery or pelvic surgery
- Fertility treatments (IVF or ovulation induction)
- Smoking or substance abuse
Complications
- Rupture of the fallopian tube leading to severe internal bleeding
- Shock due to blood loss
- Infertility if the affected fallopian tube is damaged or removed
- Emotional distress and anxiety related to pregnancy loss
Prevention
While not all ectopic pregnancies can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk:
- Prompt treatment of pelvic infections
- Avoiding smoking
- Regular gynecological check-ups, especially if you have risk factors
- Early medical consultation if experiencing abnormal pregnancy symptoms
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea offers advanced and timely care for ectopic pregnancies, including medical and surgical interventions:
- Diagnosis
- Transvaginal ultrasound to detect the location of the pregnancy
- Blood tests for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels
- Physical examination for abdominal tenderness or internal bleeding
- Medical Management
- Methotrexate injections to stop the growth of the ectopic tissue in stable, early cases
- Close monitoring of hCG levels to ensure treatment effectiveness
- Surgical Intervention
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove the ectopic pregnancy while preserving reproductive organs if possible
- Salpingectomy (removal of the affected fallopian tube) in severe cases or when the tube is ruptured
- Post-Treatment Care
- Pain management and monitoring for complications
- Follow-up hCG measurements to ensure complete resolution
- Counseling and emotional support for affected patients
- Hospitals & Clinics in Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital, Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Samsung Medical Center, Maternal Health Clinic
- Asan Medical Center, Reproductive Health Unit
- CHA Bundang Medical Center, Fertility & Early Pregnancy Care
