Ectopic pregnancy localized in the cervix is, fortunately, very rare. Attachment of the embryo in this place poses a serious threat to the woman’s life. In case of an ectopic pregnancy, implantation should occur in the lining of the uterine cavity. In the case of cervical pregnancy, the embryo is located in the cervix.
And although cases of such pregnancy have been described in textbooks for a long time, doctors are developing new methods for diagnosing and treating this condition. The danger of such a pregnancy lies in the fact that the growing embryo is very close to the uterine arteries. The diameter of each artery of the uterus is about three millimeters. If they rupture, massive bleeding begins.
Depending on the place of attachment of the embryo, there are several types of cervical ectopic pregnancy. The first type is a purely cervical pregnancy. In this case, the embryo is attached in such a way that it does not extend beyond the boundaries of the cervix. The second type of location is cervical-isthmus. The embryo in this pathological pregnancy is located in the place where the cervix passes directly into the uterus.
Source: ectopic.info
Ectopic pregnancy: what is it?
Normally, the fertilization process should occur in such a way that the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. If the embryo is formed outside the cavity of this organ, we can talk about the so-called ectopic pregnancy. In a pathological process, the fertilized egg does not enter the uterus itself, but remains in its tubes or even in one of the ovaries. In some cases, implantation occurs in the abdominal cavity. Of course, with an ectopic pregnancy it is impossible to carry and give birth to a child, but in medical practice there are facts when women still succeeded. However, this only applies to those cases in which the fertilized egg develops in the abdominal cavity.
How is a pipe rupture treated abroad?
Doctors operate
In case of organ damage due to ectopic fertilization, emergency surgery is performed in countries with advanced technologies. Usually they resort to removing the tube using the laparoscopic method.
In case of extensive bleeding, transfusion and stabilization of the condition with oxygen and drugs are performed, similar to resuscitation measures in Russian clinics.
Types of ectopic pregnancy
To find out at what stage a tube bursts during an ectopic pregnancy, you need to know the features of the pathological process itself. First of all, you need to understand that depending on where the developing embryo is localized, the nature of the development of complications will be determined. Based on this parameter, there are several types of ectopic pregnancy:
- abdominal;
- pipe;
- cervical;
- ovarian.
Early diagnosis of the condition is of great importance, as this will reduce the negative consequences for the woman’s health.
Causes of pathology
Despite the fact that today medicine is considered quite developed, the factors that provoke the development of ectopic pregnancy have not yet been fully studied. Therefore, it is believed that no woman can be insured against this disease. Nevertheless, we can identify the most common causes that result in ectopic pregnancy. At what time complications begin to develop, you need to know in order to quickly cure the disease. But understanding the factors that provoke ectopic pregnancy will become, in some way, a preventive measure. So, the main causes of pathology:
- Inflammatory processes in the area of the fallopian tubes and appendages.
- Long-term use of contraceptives and other hormonal drugs.
- Surgical interventions in the area of the reproductive organs and other pelvic organs, which led to the development of adhesions.
- Wearing an intrauterine device.
- Previous abortion.
- Disturbances in the development of the reproductive system.
Why does this happen?
There can be several reasons for an ectopic pregnancy:
- STD. Diseases acquired through unprotected sexual intercourse. They are asymptomatic, but can cause serious harm to the female body. Therefore, doctors recommend systematically visiting a gynecologist.
- Inflammatory process. During this process, adhesions occur, accompanied by narrowing of the fallopian tubes. As a result, the transport function slows down and the egg cannot enter the uterus. Consequently, it becomes fixed in some other place, this leads to the development of pathology and consequences unpredictable for the woman.
- Previous operations in the genitourinary system. As a result of surgery, the natural functioning of the fallopian tubes may be disrupted.
- Birth defects. Improper development of the fallopian tubes can lead to persistent ectopic conceptions. Thus, if there are abnormalities in the shape of the tube, it will be extremely difficult to get pregnant.
- Disturbed hormonal levels. Problems with the endocrine system are accompanied by hormonal imbalance and deterioration in the functioning of the fallopian tubes. This most often occurs as a result of the use of IUDs and contraceptives based on combined hormones.
- Neoplasms and tumors on the fallopian tubes or adjacent tissues. These diagnoses are accompanied by a violation of the transport of the egg, which leads to its improper attachment.
Signs of an ectopic pregnancy
As a rule, the initial symptoms of this condition manifest themselves within 2 to 12 weeks. The exact period of onset of symptoms depends on the functioning of the woman’s body (for example, on the level of her pain threshold). The organ where the ectopic pregnancy occurred is also of great importance. How long a pipe can burst depends directly on the nature and period of onset of symptoms. Doctors warn that in addition to a positive test result, ectopic pregnancy may be indicated by:
- Drawing or sharp cutting pain in the lower abdomen, directed to the lower back and rectum.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- General weakness, dizziness.
- Painful sensations when visiting the toilet.
- Scanty bleeding from the vagina.
- Chills combined with increased body temperature.
These symptoms are very easy to confuse with symptoms of normal pregnancy. For this reason, the pathological condition is often not immediately recognized, since not every woman turns to a gynecologist when the first signs appear. Only a few can independently understand that they have developed an ectopic pregnancy. At what time the pipe bursts can be easily noticed by a sharp deterioration in the condition and greater severity of symptoms.
Diagnostics
Today, there are two main methods to detect ectopic pregnancy:
- HCG tests.
- Ultrasound.
The first method does not guarantee accurate results; it only makes it possible to assume the presence of pathology. Thus, based on test results, a hCG level that reaches more than 1500 mIU/ml is considered elevated and is usually noticeable in the test results of pregnant women. However, if during normal fetal development the amount of the hormone in the blood increases daily, then with ectopic implantation of the embryo this does not happen.
An ultrasound examination can accurately indicate a dangerous condition. If tests for hCG levels show an increased concentration of the hormone in the blood, and the monitor screen does not display the fertilized egg located in a typical place, the doctor makes a diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy. At what time the pipe bursts can also be determined using ultrasound. During an abdominal scan, a compaction will be clearly visible at the site of the embryo.
Why does the fallopian tube burst?
It is important to understand that an ectopic pregnancy requires the earliest possible medical intervention, so if suspicious symptoms appear, you should not delay a visit to the doctor. Nature has it in such a way that the ovaries and tubes are not predisposed to bearing a baby. If the uterus consists of elastic tissues that can stretch in accordance with the growth of the fetus, then for the rest of the reproductive organs these changes are too critical. As a result, the pipe cannot withstand heavy loads and simply ruptures under its influence. Naturally, the process is accompanied by severe bleeding.
Why is it impossible to carry a baby?
In itself, attachment of the fetus in the wrong place is possible, but problems arise during the growth of the egg. The organs of the genitourinary system are not designed to bear a child. In the female body there is only one organ that can stretch without harm - the uterus.
When attachment occurs, for example, in the fallopian tube, the enlarging egg begins to fill its entire space. As a result, the epithelial tissue ruptures, bleeding begins, filling the entire internal cavity and exiting through the vagina.
Bleeding is not the most dangerous consequence of an ectopic pregnancy. This process may be accompanied by peritonitis. The consequences of peritonitis can only be eliminated in the intensive care unit. And this is already a threat to life.
How long does it take for a rupture to occur?
Experts remind that in most cases, the negative consequences of ectopic pregnancy are the result of late consultation with a doctor. Even when they notice unpleasant symptoms, many ladies delay going to a medical facility, not realizing the seriousness of the situation. The main problem is that not everyone knows at what stage the tube bursts during an ectopic pregnancy. Thinking that this cannot happen in the first weeks and even months after conception, many women are left without timely medical care.
The risk that the fallopian tube will burst exists even in the earliest stages of an interesting situation. On average, organ rupture occurs between 4 and 12 weeks, but it can happen earlier or later. Everything depends again on the characteristics of the body and the course of pregnancy.
Pipe rupture at very early stages
Despite the fact that in the first month after fertilization the embryo has a very small size, already at this stage the tube can burst. This is usually caused by the diameter of the organ being too small at the location of the embryo. Experts explain that if implantation occurs in the isthmic part of the fallopian tube, then the risk that a rupture will occur is very high. The fact is that in the middle zone there is the narrowest part of the organ, which, moreover, does not lend itself well to even the smallest deformations. Stretching in this area is possible by a maximum of 2 mm. Therefore, if you do not know at what time the tube ruptures during an ectopic pregnancy of this type, you may not have time to see a doctor in time.
The process of rupture of the organ during attachment of the fertilized egg in its isthmic part usually occurs 4-6 weeks after conception. In some cases, tubal abortion can occur even earlier, so immediate surgical intervention is required when the diagnosis is made.
Possible consequences
The procedure to eliminate an ectopic pregnancy can lead a woman to the following consequences:
- Fallopian tube rupture. The consequence of this is bleeding, shock, painful spasm of all organs that are affected by the process, and peritoneal tissue. To avoid this, you must call an ambulance immediately after bleeding appears.
- Infertility. The most serious consequence of a pathological pregnancy that cannot be corrected. The likelihood of infertility during treatment is quite high, since during the surgical intervention one or more organs of the reproductive system are removed. Most often it is one or two fallopian tubes.
- Repeated ectopic pregnancy. This outcome of events happens in 20 percent of cases. The risk of a relapse can be reduced by treatment with Methotrexate. In addition, the likelihood is minimized if during the first operation it was possible to keep the fallopian tubes intact.
In what cases does a pipe burst in the later stages?
According to doctors, the lowest risk to a woman’s health comes from pregnancy, in which the embryo is implanted in the lower part of one of the fallopian tubes. The interstitial region of the organ directly borders the uterus, so it is characterized by increased elasticity. Given this fact, under such conditions a woman may not feel for a long time that she has developed an ectopic pregnancy. How long the pipe ruptures in this case depends on the degree of elasticity of its muscle tissue. Sometimes the organ does not burst even when the fertilized egg increases to 5 mm, but only stretches to the desired size. However, on average, the time by which a pipe ceases to withstand the load and ruptures is 8-12 weeks.
Tubal abortion
If the egg began its development in the ampullary, that is, in the upper part of the tube, then rupture may not occur. This is explained by the loose fit of the part of the organ in which the ectopic pregnancy formed to the ovary. It is impossible to say at what period a pipe rupture is likely, since it depends on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body. But if the organ does burst, this happens at about 4-8 weeks.
In other cases, the fertilized egg simply falls out through the gap between the upper part of the fallopian tube and the ovary into the abdominal cavity. After this, the embryo attaches to a nearby organ and continues its development. Thus, ectopic pregnancy flows from one form to another. That is, previously it was tubal, but after a while it became abdominal. In medical practice, this phenomenon is called tubal abortion.
Complications
In situations where a woman had a primary abdominal pregnancy and the embryo was not removed in a timely manner, it may die, crumble, or calcify. In the latter case, it is possible that the fetus will remain in the woman’s body for a long time, which she may not even know about. However, infection often occurs and if bacteria enter the bladder, bowel or vagina, fistulas can form.
In an abdominal ectopic pregnancy, if the fetus constantly increases in size, it creates a significant load on the organ to which it is implanted. The outcome of such a situation can be disastrous, since organ rupture is possible, which will cause severe blood loss and death of the woman.
As for the embryo, when it is localized in the abdominal cavity, defects in its development, insufficient blood supply and oxygen starvation are noted.
Since there is no protection by the uterine walls, during a long period of pregnancy this will cause damage to the fetal membrane, after which water enters the abdominal cavity. In this case, emergency hospitalization and surgical intervention are also required. Share:
Symptoms of a pipe rupture
In the absence of timely medical intervention, the fertilized egg continues to increase in size, resulting in a rupture of the organ in which it develops. It doesn’t matter how long the pipe bursts, in any case this process is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the abdominal area.
- Paleness of the skin.
- The appearance of cold sweat.
- Nausea and dizziness with possible loss of consciousness.
- Cardiopalmus.
- Critical drop in blood pressure.
When the fallopian tube ruptures, the integrity of the muscle tissue is disrupted, so the result of this complication is severe internal hemorrhage. Doctors warn that if the woman is not given emergency medical care, she may suffer hemorrhagic shock. According to experts, this is what causes death in most cases.
Symptoms
An ectopic pregnancy in the abdominal cavity has the same symptoms at an early stage of development as with normal embryo implantation. Accordingly, the woman will feel the following states:
- There is no menstrual bleeding;
- The pregnancy test is positive;
- HCG levels increase;
- Constant drowsiness;
- Neuropsychic instability;
- Enlargement and appearance of pain in the mammary glands;
- Changes in taste preferences;
- Inability to tolerate certain odors;
- Toxicosis and mood swings;
- Frequent urination.
If a woman goes for an examination to a gynecologist, then during a two-handed examination the specialist will notice that there is no embryo in the uterine cavity, while the reproductive organ will be slightly hypertrophied, and its size does not correspond to the gestational age.
However, in certain situations it is quite problematic to make the correct diagnosis, since this condition can be confused with congenital anomalies of the structure of the uterus. Also, in situations where a woman has an abdominal ectopic pregnancy, the symptoms of this condition can also be traced in disruption of the gastrointestinal tract: a feeling of nausea and vomiting occurs, there are problems with bowel movements, and the development of anemia is possible.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may administer the hormone oxytocin, but there will be no uterine contractions. A characteristic sign for VMB is the discovery of bleeding from the genital tract during manual examination.
If spontaneous termination of an abdominal ectopic pregnancy occurs, the woman will have a weak pulse, dizziness, possible loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, decreased blood pressure, bleeding, and severe pain in the abdominal area.
Fallopian tube rupture and its consequences
Regardless of how long the tube bursts during an ectopic pregnancy, the threat to a woman’s health is very high. Experts warn about such consequences. Firstly, with a high probability, after such a phenomenon it will be very difficult for the young lady to have children. If medical care is untimely or incorrectly provided, she may remain infertile for the rest of her life.
Secondly, if a woman has been diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy once, then there is a risk of it developing again when trying to have a baby. Therefore, when planning to conceive a baby, women who have previously undergone surgery due to a similar pathology must be regularly examined by a gynecologist.
As for the worst consequences, namely death, this scenario is also not excluded. But you should understand that everything is in the hands of the woman herself: if she turns to a specialist for help in time, then everything should end favorably.
Prevention of early toxicosis
In order to avoid various complications of pregnancy as much as possible, including toxicosis, you need to take the decision to conceive a child seriously and, together with your spouse, begin to prepare in advance: register, get tested, undergo treatment and take a course of vitamins. The woman’s body must be prepared for pregnancy, and the man must have healthy genetic material. Then it will be possible to avoid many undesirable consequences of an unplanned pregnancy.
In case of toxicosis, it is advisable to go on sick leave in order to be in a calm home environment, so do not hesitate to ask your doctor for it. The following simple rules will help:
- Take proper nutrition for toxicosis: small portions 5-6 times a day;
- Drink water at room temperature in small sips. A good solution would be mineral waters such as “Essentuki” or “Borjomi” (bicarbonate waters rich in hydrogen sulfide, salts and magnesium);
- take chilled decoctions of ginger or lemon balm, as well as other folk remedies for toxicosis;
- avoid smells that cause nausea;
- take walks in the fresh air;
- get enough sleep.
Treatment of toxicosis with ectopic localization of the embryo with medications is inappropriate, because it is necessary to perform an operation to remove the tube in order to terminate the pregnancy. Otherwise, the mother's life is in danger.
Medical intervention for a pipe rupture: reviews from doctors
Measures to eliminate pathology are carried out only surgically. It is necessary to excise the organ in which the ectopic pregnancy is localized. At what time the pipe bursts (doctor's reviews prove this) is not so important. The main thing is that the operation is carried out immediately. During surgery, not only the damaged tube is removed, but also the bleeding is stopped. Experts say that the faster this is done, the greater the woman’s chances of recovery.
If the ectopic pregnancy was detected on time, and the fallopian tube did not have time to burst, then the surgeon can only remove the embryo from the organ. Thus, he will perform a kind of abortion. In this case, the tube is only cut so that the embryo can be removed, but is not completely excised.
It is impossible to completely insure yourself against this pathology; you can only significantly reduce the risk of its development. Therefore, try to eliminate all factors that can provoke a condition such as an ectopic pregnancy. How long does it take for a pipe to burst, and what symptoms are it accompanied by? This is very important information that will help you diagnose the disease in time and maintain your health.
Treatment
The only therapeutic method that can save the patient’s life is surgical treatment. It is important to understand that taking cytostatic drugs can cause serious complications, for example, blood poisoning, since the placenta will quickly die.
The operation is performed by laparotomy or laparoscopy. The choice of technique is within the competence of the doctor, and directly depends on the severity of the clinical case and the duration of pregnancy. During the intervention, only the embryo is removed, without affecting the baby's place, since such actions can provoke severe blood loss and death of the patient.
