Ectopic Pregnancy Causes

Because there are several causes of ectopic pregnancy, sometimes the exact reason is known; sometimes it isn't. In cases where the causes are known, possibilities include a problem with the fertilized egg itself and transport problems within the fallopian tube. Risk factors for the condition include having had an ectopic pregnancy in the past, a history of IUD use, or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Ectopic Pregnancies

Ectopic Pregnancy Causes: An Overview

There are many possible causes of ectopic pregnancy; however, in women who develop such a pregnancy, the cause is not always known. When known, possible causes can include:

Transport problems within the fallopian tube. This most often occurs because of damage to the surface from infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Problems with some mechanism within the fertilized egg itself.

A released egg traveling to the other fallopian tube, resulting in a delay of transport within the fallopian tube.

Know the Risk Factors

While not actual ectopic pregnancy "causes," several factors can increase a woman's chances for developing an ectopic pregnancy.

These are known as ectopic pregnancy risk factors. These risk factors include:

A history of pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. The risk of ectopic pregnancy in a woman with a history of PID is 1 in 24.

Women whose mothers took diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant.

History of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

A previous ectopic pregnancy (the risk is increased by up to 50 percent).

A previous tubal surgery for infertility.

Tubal sterilization procedure, such as laparoscopic tubal ligation or postpartum tubal ligation, within the past one to two years. The risk is increased if cauterization was used.

History of IUD use.

Pregnancy with an IUD in place.

Prolonged infertility.

Multiple sex partners.

Vaginal douching.