Our North Dallas fertility center offers treatment options after ectopic pregnancy
When couples have difficulty getting pregnant, they may deal with other factors besides general infertility. For some patients, infertility can occur because of an ectopic pregnancy, a situation in which the pregnancy develops inside the fallopian tube, or in another location outside the uterus. Dr. James Douglas and the team at our North Dallas fertility center can review your specific situation and determine an appropriate treatment course so that you can achieve a successful pregnancy.
Dr. Douglas explains normal pregnancy development
With a normal pregnancy, your ovaries release an egg, which travels through one of two fallopian tubes. When the sperm fertilizes the egg, the fertilized egg moves to the uterus and attaches to the uterine lining. The embryo develops and grows for the next nine months. During an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg stays in your fallopian tube or attaches to another pelvic organ.
Understanding the basics of an ectopic pregnancy
Approximately 1-2% of pregnancies are ectopic pregnancies. Because the pregnancy grows in an area outside of the uterus, patients face additional health concerns. This condition requires immediate medical attention. Depending on the location of the pregnancy and severity of the damage, you could lose your fallopian tube, which may impact future fertility.
Common causes of ectopic pregnancy from our North Dallas fertility center expert
Some women may have an increased risk for ectopic pregnancy due to the following situations.
- Scarring in the fallopian tubes, from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or from previous surgeries, can impede the function of the tubes and make an ectopic pregnancy more likely.
- Smoking may impair the ability of the fallopian tubes to move the egg through to the uterus, so patients who smoke or have smoked regularly in the past may have an additional risk for ectopic pregnancy.
- Patients who have experienced a previous ectopic pregnancy often have a greater chance of developing another ectopic pregnancy.
- Although rare, pregnancies that occur after a tubal ligation or with an IUD in place are more likely to develop in locations other than the uterus.
Dr. Douglas assists patients with conception after ectopic pregnancy
Because an ectopic pregnancy can negatively impact your fertility, Dr. Douglas will work with you to determine the best course of action. He will complete a full evaluation and thoroughly assess your case. To ensure that the pregnancy develops in the correct location, Dr. Douglas may recommend in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
If you have struggled to conceive, our team can provide assistance in getting pregnant. Dr. Douglas can discuss fertility treatment options, including treatment after an ectopic pregnancy. Contact our North Dallas fertility center for more information or to make an appointment.
