Before ectopic pregnancies, here’s what could damage your fallopian tubes

After fertilisation, one part of the egg forms the placenta, the other the baby. It needs blood supply or will attach itself somewhere. Once it does, it begins growing. The problem is when it attaches somewhere without enough space for expansion like the uterus, and continuous expansion to accommodate the resulting pregnancy is risky. One […]

After fertilisation, one part of the egg forms the placenta, the other the baby. It needs blood supply or will attach itself somewhere. Once it does, it begins growing.

The problem is when it attaches somewhere without enough space for expansion like the uterus, and continuous expansion to accommodate the resulting pregnancy is risky.

One of the risks is pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. Infections also damage the fallopian tubes.

Puerperal sepsis is another.

This infection can also occur after child birth where a woman delivered in an unhygienic environment. It involves the same organs: the uterus, the tube and the pelvis.

Such births are common in unhygienic settings, mostly found in rural areas. After childbirth, the woman produces pus through her vagina.

The third risk is “criminally induced abortion” often done by ill-trained quacks. A combination of unsterile tools and environment results in post-abortion infection, which also affects the same organs.

The cause of damage to the tubes determines the type of treatment required—medical or surgical. A ruptured tube is most likely treated via surgery. 

The consequence is that after surgery, with one tube out of work, some women may experience delay in getting pregnant. 

Increase in the risk of ectopic pregnancy is also a risk factor for infertility. Other women get pregnant right away, but it is good to ensure the baby is in the right place through regular checkups.