Why does tubal ectopic pregnancy occur?
- Infections
- Toxins from smoking
- Immunological causes
- Hormonal alterations
Can smoking cause ectopic pregnancy?
Smoking causes an inflammatory state in your body with release of various chemicals. These in turn alter the tubal lining promoting embryo receptivity for implantation. In addition, it decreases the movement of cilia and their number. This deciliation process along with abnormal signals produced by tobacco disrupts transport of the embryo.
Infections of the tubes
Infections from previous surgery or miscarriage can induce tubal dysfunction. For instance, an infected appendix can lead to dysfunction or blockage of the right fallopian tube. Specifically, some of the infective organisms like Chlamydia trachomatis infection can alter the signal for embryo implantation.
Even any previous pelvic inflammatory disease can predispose you to EP. Such other potential infections causing tubal damage are Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma and schistosomiasis.
Is ectopic pregnancy more in elderly women?
Women over 35 years show more chances of ectopic gestation. It may be due to age-related tubal dysfunction and transportation or repeated interventions for infertility. Also, conception with assisted reproduction increases the risk for EP.
Recurrent ectopic
If you have a history of ectopic pregnancy then it raises the chance of a second ectopic by 10 times. This may be due to the damage added by the first ectopic pregnancy to the previous existing causes. However, some women do conceive naturally through the other healthy tube. Some other women may need fertility treatment like ovulation induction and IUI. Majority will require IVF treatment for conception.