Extra Credit Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Extra Credit Methods - Essay Example It is thought that once the egg has been fertilized and it becomes slowed or there is blockage of the passage to the uterus, the fertilized ovum is forced to implant before getting to the uterus. Implantation may now erroneously occur in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdomen, or other regions outside of the uterus (Clarence, 2009). Causes There are many factors which contribute to the likelihood of a mother experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. The most common contributing factor to the development of an ectopic pregnancy is the Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (Kamwendo, 2000).This is caused by the upsurge of scar tissue in the oviduct or fallopian tubes that causes damage to cilia. Cilia are hair-like structures found on the inner surface of the fallopian tubes and they help in transporting the egg that has been fertilized to the uterus. Damaging the cilia or blocking of the oviduct is likely to cause an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can also be caused by post effects of tubal surgery or other factors including tubal ligation, use of Intrauterine Devices (IUD), endometriosis, use of birth control pills that contain progesterone only, inborn or congenital defect of the fallopian tubes, advanced age of the mother and smoking (Clarence, 2009). Apart from physical defects, high estrogen and progesterone levels may possibly increase ectopic pregnancy risk since the hormones are associated with slowing down the transportation of the fertilized ovum through the oviduct (fallopian tube) (Clarence, 2009). There is also a great risk for developing an ectopic pregnancy for women whose mothers took DES (diethylstilbestrol) medication during pregnancy (Clarence, 2009). However, the actual manner in which this happens is still under investigation. According to medical statistics, seventy percent of pregnancies that take place after tubal cautery turn out to be ectopic and also a similar percentage of pregnancies that occur after tubal clips are in the line of the uter us (Kamwendo et al, 2000). This is because reversal of tubal sterilization increases the chance for ectopic pregnancy. It is riskier if more unhelpful methods of tubal ligation like partially removing of the tubes or tubal cautery are used than techniques which are less destructive like tubal clipping. This risk cannot be mitigated by removal of the affected tube whether the other tube appears normal or not. Signs and Symptoms During the early stages of pregnancy, it is hard for a mother to know whether she has an ectopic pregnancy or not since the symptoms are often absent or mild. Clinical observations occur at around 7.2 weeks after last menstrual period normally within 5 to 8 weeks (Clarence, 2009). Later appearance becomes more widespread where communities are dispossessed of up to date diagnostic ability.The early signs include mild pain and discomfort (Clarence, 2009). However, a corpus luteum found on the ovary in a normal pregnancy and may also give the same symptoms. Mild vaginal bleeding is also an early symptom. Falling progesterone levels from the corpus luteum, which is associated with ectopic pregnancy, cause withdrawal bleeding (Clarence, 2009). Late ectopic pregnancy is characterized by bleeding and pain. Bleeding is usually vaginal and internal. External/vaginal bleeding is caused by falling levels of progesterone while internal bleeding is caused by hemorrhage from the tubes affected (Clarence, 2009). Severe internal bleeding