Pregnancy
While ectopic pregnancies are rare, they are serious. It’s important to know the warning signs and be prepared in the case of an emergency medical situation.
Ectopic pregnancy is when a pregnancy grows outside of your uterus. In a normal healthy pregnancy, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tubes. This is also known as a tubal pregnancy. A fertilized egg cannot grow normally in the fallopian tubes or areas other than the uterus. The growing tissue can put pressure on surrounding organs, potentially causing a rupture leading to large internal bleeding that life-threatening.
Generally speaking, ectopic pregnancies are rare affecting about 2 out of every 100 pregnancies. While rare, they can pose a serious risk and should be treated with care.
You may be more likely to experience an ectopic pregnancy if you have one of the following risk factors:
· experienced a previous ectopic pregnancy
· had pelvic or abdominal surgery
· are 35 years of age or older
· smoke cigarettes
· have endometriosis
· have pelvic inflammatory disease
· have experienced certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea
In rare cases, women who have had a tubal ligation (sterilization) procedure or who have an IUD can become pregnant and experience an ectopic pregnancy. Again, this is uncommon, affecting only an estimated 2 out of 10,000 women with a hormonal IUD, 5 out of 10,000 women with a copper IUD or about 7 out of 1,000 women who have undergone tubal ligation.
That said, it’s possible to experience an ectopic pregnancy even if you don’t have any known risk factors. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms.
In the early stages, you may experience symptoms of a typical pregnancy including a missed period, breast tenderness, or an upset stomach. If you have a positive pregnancy test with bleeding, it’s important to contact your Axia Women’s Health provider.
If a fertilized egg continues to grow, it can potentially cause the fallopian tube to rupture which can lead to major internal bleeding. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency. If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, you should contact your Axia Women’s Health provider immediately:
· extreme lightheadedness or fainting
· sudden and severe abdominal or pelvic pain along with vaginal bleeding
· shoulder pain
There are two ways to treat an ectopic pregnancy including medication or surgery.
If caught in an early stage, an ectopic pregnancy can be treated with a medication called methotrexate. Methotrexate works by stopping cells from growing. The ectopic pregnancy “dissolves” and is reabsorbed naturally into the body. Not all patients are a candidate for methotrexate. Your provider will help determine if is right for you.
If the ectopic pregnancy is caught at a later stage, surgery is often required. This type of procedure is known as laparoscopy. A skilled physician uses a small lighted camera to make incisions in the abdomen and then removes either the ectopic pregnancy from the fallopian tube or in some cases, the entire fallopian tube. In rare instances, a laparotomy (abdominal operation) may be required.
Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy can be traumatizing both physically and emotionally. Feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, and depression are all normal. You may have nightmares or flashbacks of the experience. If you’re struggling emotionally, it’s important to seek help from friends, family, a support group, or a licensed mental health professional.
Organizations like the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust and Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support offer online education, resources, and grief support. There are also many local support groups you can find in your region.
What’s important to remember above all is that you’re not alone. Confide in your friends and family, and seek support from your Axia Women’s Health provider and those around you.
Did you know that our Axia Women`s Health screening centers offer the latest in 3D mammography? With screening centers located within or near many of our care centers, scheduling is easier than ever before. At many of our locations, you can even pair your mammogram with your annual exam, providing added comfort and convenience.
--
#mammogram #breasthealth #3Dmammography #cancerscreening #womenshealth #obgyn #NewJersey #Pennsylvania #Ohio #Indiana #Kentucky
This Barbie takes charge of her health. 💓 Whether you`re due for a Pap smear or not, an annual exam is a powerful way to stay on top of your preventative health. Double tap if you`ve scheduled your annual already this year.
---
#barbie #barbiemovie #womenshealth #femaleempowerment #obgyn #barbiememes #womenshealthdoctor #obgynoffice
Like so many things in life, a "normal" period is really based on what`s normal for you. However, if your flow is persistently varied it may be a sign that something is off. Axia OB/GYN, Dr. Caitlin McCarthy, recently spoke with Women`s Health magazine to highlight some causes behind shorter periods. Visit link in bio to read all the full story.
#periodfacts #womenshealth #obgyn
Did you know that the color of your period could offer clues about your health? Minor changes in period color and texture are normal, but, repeated patterns of period irregularity or painful symptoms could be a sign of a greater health issue. Getting in tune with your menstrual cycle by tracking color of your period, length, and symptoms can help you take charge of your health. Swipe right to learn more!
#menstrualcycle #menstrualcycletracking #periodfacts🔴 #periodhealth #womenshealth
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
The word “vagina” has become an all-encompassing term used to refer to the general area “down there," when in fact, there`s a lot more to our reproductive organs than we may even realize. Can you identify all of the parts here? Swipe right to check your answers. Knowledge is power! 🙌
#femaleanatomy #vagina #vulva #uterus #cervix #ovary #womenshealth #fallopiantubes #whatsupdownthere
PCOS is one cause of an irregular menstrual cycle, but there are many others. Other factors such as stress, thyroid disorders, fibroids, or other hormonal conditions can impact your cycle. The only way to know the true cause is to consult with your provider. Fortunately, many of these conditions are treatable!
#pcos #pcosmonth #pcosfacts #pcosmyths #pcossuport #womenshealth
The truth is because PCOS can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, it can take longer to get pregnant...but it`s not impossible! 💫👩🏽🍼
Some women may be able to conceive naturally after managing PCOS symptoms, while others may find help in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 🔬
Wherever you are in your journey with PCOS, don`t give up hope! 💜 Stay tuned as we shed light on more common myths surrounding PCOS throughout the month.
November 21, 2023
April 19, 2023
January 3, 2023
Pregnancy, Preventive Care
Read More