The ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg lodges outside the uterus, which prevents the continuation of pregnancy.
Some factors can facilitate the occurrence and, therefore, there are precautions that can be taken. Are they:
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Prevent STDs
Women who have or have had a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), such as gonorrhea and syphilis , are more likely to develop an ectopic pregnancy.
Chlamydia, which is also an STD, is responsible for half of ectopic pregnancies. Experts believe that the disease releases a protein that helps the fertilized egg to lodge in the fallopian tube.
Therefore, care for sexually transmitted infections is essential for anyone planning to become pregnant.
Read more: HPV vaccine: what it is for, age, doses, price, side effects
Get medical follow-up
Women who have a personal and family history of ectopic pregnancy should also be on the lookout for signs of future pregnancies.
Natural or induced abortions also increase the chance of it occurring.
Inflammation or infection in the fallopian tubes causes these structures to shrink, favoring the correct conduction of the embryo to the uterus.
Therefore, any condition or alteration of the organism must always be accompanied by health professionals.
Read more: About 5.6 million Brazilians do not consult the gynecologist
Do not smoke
Cigarette or drug use is related to ectopic pregnancy.
Experts believe that smoking damages the uterine tubes. This makes it difficult for the fertilized egg to pass through the sperm (zygote) into the uterus.
That is, it is not only the consumption of cigarettes during the months of pregnancy that is harmful.
Treat endometriosis
The Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial (uterine tissue) in or around the tubes.
Women with this disease are more likely to develop ectopic pregnancies because the egg (even if fertilized) has more difficulty reaching the uterus.
Endometriosis is also related to female infertility problems, which can affect women throughout their menstrual life.
Take care with contraceptive methods
The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a contraceptive method. Even with the use of an IUD, there is a small chance of becoming pregnant.
When the method fails and fertilization occurs, an ectopic pregnancy is more likely to occur, especially if the IUD is being used incorrectly.
If you are unsure about using an IUD or any other contraceptive method, see a gynecologist.
Consider the risks of age
This factor is controversial. Many doctors argue that a woman’s age cannot favor an ectopic pregnancy, especially if the patient has had other normal pregnancies throughout her life.
But the American Pregnancy Association (APA) along with some experts argue that the older a woman is, the greater her chances of having a compromised pregnancy.
This is because, in the view of these researchers, the fallopian tubes can wrinkle over time, making it difficult for an embryo to pass.
They believe that this problem occurs with all women, even those who have had normal pregnancies previously.
Women over 35 years old can be affected by this narrowing in the fallopian tubes. Therefore, pregnancies from this age are considered delicate by the APA.
Ectopic pregnancy can be prevented in some cases. Risk factors such as smoking and STDs can also be prevented and controlled.
If you plan to become pregnant, seek medical advice.
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