Because there are several ectopic pregnancy causes, sometimes the exact cause 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. While not ectopic pregnancy causes, 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 Pregnancy Causes: An Overview

There are many possible ectopic pregnancy causes; however, in women who develop an ectopic pregnancy, the cause is not always known. When known, causes of an ectopic pregnancy 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.

 

Ectopic Pregnancy Causes: Know the Risk Factors

While not 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 1 to 2 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.