Causes of ectopic preganancy (Tubal pregnancy)

An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized ovum is implanted and develops outside the normal uterine cavity. Ectopic pregnancy still contributes significantly to the cause of maternal mortality and morbidity.

Causes :-

- Factors preventing or delaying the migration of the fertilized ovum to the uterine cavity.
- Factors facilitating nidation of the fertilized ovum in the tubal mucosa.

1. Factors preventing or delaying migration -

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
• Selected contraception failure.
• Use of intrauterine device.
• Tubal surgery increase the risk of tubal pregnancy.
• Intrapelvic adhesion following pelvic surgery.
• Prior induced abortion significantly increases the risk.

2. Factors facilitating nidation in the tube -

• Early resumption of the trophoblastic activity is probably due to premature degeneration of the zona pellucida.
• Increased decidual reaction.
• Tubal endometriosis.