Ectopic Pregnancy Causes & Risks

Causes

Most ectopic pregnancies occur because the fallopian tube is not functioning normally.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:

Previous ectopic pregnancies
History of pelvic inflammatory disease
Endometriosis
Prior surgery on your fallopian tubes or uterus
Fertility treatments
Abnormally-shaped uterus and/or fallopian tubes
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure in the mother during pregnancy (a treatment no longer used)
Presence of an intrauterine device (IUD)
Pregnancy that occurs after a sterilization procedure ( tubal ligation )
Smoking
Race: non-white
Age: 35 or older

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