Ectopic Pregnancy: Causes, Risk Factors & Prevention

Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the main cavity of the uterus. The most common site for ectopic pregnancy is the fallopian tube, which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Some factors that increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy include:

- Previous ectopic pregnancy

- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

- Previous tubal surgery

- Endometriosis

- Use of an intrauterine device (IUD)

- Smoking

- Advanced maternal age

In many cases, the exact cause of an ectopic pregnancy is unknown. However, the risk of ectopic pregnancy can be reduced by avoiding the risk factors listed above.