Ovarian pregnancy: causes of pathology, symptoms, diagnosis, ultrasound with photo, necessary treatment and possible consequences

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Most modern women are familiar with the concept of "ectopic pregnancy", but not everyone knows where it can develop, what are its symptoms and possible consequences. In the article, we will consider what an ovarian pregnancy is, its signs and methods of treatment.

Definition

Ovarian pregnancy is a fertilization that occurred at a time when the egg had not yet had time to leave the dominant follicle. In this case, it is attached to the ovary, without leaving the cavity of the fallopian tube and without penetrating into the uterus. There are two types of ovarian pregnancy:

1. Intrafollicular - when fertilization occurs inside the follicle.
2. Epiophoral - in case the fertilized egg is attached to the surface of the ovary. A photo of an ovarian pregnancy shows the site of attachment of the ovum.

Both types of ectopic pregnancy are equally dangerous to the life and he alth of a woman.

Causes of occurrence

BIn most cases, an ectopic pregnancy occurs for no apparent reason, however, experts identify the following factors that can lead to improper egg attachment:

1. A woman's past or present history of infectious diseases that adversely affected the reproductive system.
2. Operations on the uterus or appendages.
3. Acquired or congenital obstruction of the fallopian tubes.
4. Hormonal disorders.
5. Presence of benign or malignant neoplasms in the uterus or fallopian tubes.
6. Anomalies in the development of internal genital organs.
7. Genetic disorders.

In addition, such a pathology can be observed if the woman was given the wrong therapy for infertility.

Symptoms

An ovarian ectopic pregnancy may present with the following symptoms:

1. Positive pregnancy test.



2. Pain when pressed in the iliac region from the side of the implanted egg, which increases with increasing gestational age.
3. Pain in the abdomen that radiates to the anus and coccyx. It occurs abruptly and causes the woman to change the position of the body.

In addition, with such a pregnancy, all the symptoms of the uterus are noted - delayed menstruation, nausea, vomiting, swelling and soreness of the breast. It is pain in an unusual place that should alert a woman and serve as a reason for contacting a gynecologist. Ataggravated painful symptoms of ovarian pregnancy, urgent hospitalization is necessary, as they may indicate a rupture of the ovary.

Diagnosis

Determining an ovarian-type ectopic pregnancy requires a comprehensive approach:

1. Medical interview and examination, during which the woman's symptoms are clarified.
2. Ultrasound of an ovarian pregnancy can help in making the correct diagnosis. Unfortunately, this method is not 100% guaranteed. This is due to the fact that the fetal egg is similar to a cystic formation.
3. To prevent the cyst from turning out to be an ovarian pregnancy, a diagnostic laparoscopy is prescribed - a minimally invasive operation performed using a laparoscope.

Also, blood is given for hCG and a general urine test is performed. Despite the fact that during an ultrasound of an ovarian pregnancy, a photo of which is given out immediately, it may seem like a cyst or other neoplasm. The doctor draws attention to the increased level of the hCG hormone in the blood and the presence of a delay in menstruation, as well as to the characteristic soreness when pressing on the stomach from the side with which the fetal egg is attached.

Treatment

Unfortunately, with this pathology, only surgical elimination of the problem is indicated. The removal method is selected based on the following factors:

• a woman's desire to have children in the future;
• size of the ovum;
• state of the ovary (whole or burst).

Most often instead ofopen cavity surgery performed laparoscopy:

• the apparatus is inserted through small incisions into the abdominal cavity;
• an incision is made on the ovary;
• the gestational sac is removed;
• Instruments are removed and sutures are placed.

In most cases, such operations are successful and the natural functions of the organ are preserved. Exceptions are only when the symptoms of ovarian pregnancy were noticed too late and the fetal egg increased to a large size. In this case, the ovary bursts, which is an indication for its removal. An ovarian pregnancy, like any other ectopic pregnancy, cannot be considered a normal condition - it is a pathology that requires urgent surgical intervention.

Preparation for surgery

Despite the fact that laparoscopic surgery is less traumatic, a woman must still undergo certain training, which includes the following points:

• donating urine and blood;



• performing an electrocardiogram;
• ultrasound;
• consultation of a general practitioner, gynecologist and anesthesiologist.

If an emergency operation is necessary, laparoscopy is replaced by abdominal intervention.

Post-operative period

The time after a laparoscopy or abdominal intervention is very important for the proper healing of damaged internal organs. The postoperative period consists of taking the following medications:

• painkillers;
• antibiotics to prevent bacterial infection;
• anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve inflammation.

The discharge time after laparoscopy is after 3-4 days of hospitalization, and after open surgery is about two weeks. During this time, doctors monitor the condition of the woman and the healing of sutures.

In addition, after the operation, it is important to monitor the level of hCG, since the fetal egg may not be completely removed. It can later develop into a tumor. Normally, the level of hCG decreases by 50% for 2-3 days after surgery.

Rehab

Ectopic pregnancy is a rather complex pathology that requires a long recovery period, especially if a woman is planning a pregnancy in the future. Along with taking the drugs prescribed after the operation, the patient should monitor her diet: on the first day only water is allowed, on the second day drinking yoghurts are allowed, on the third day it is possible to switch to easily digestible food - cereals, broth, boiled meat and fish, crackers.

For the speedy recovery of the body, the following physiotherapy can be shown:

• magnetotherapy;
• electrophoresis;
• ultrasound therapy;
• mud baths;
• paraffin therapy.

In the period of several weeks after the operation, any physical activity, even the most insignificant, is completely prohibited. Lifting weights is strictly prohibited.

The resumption of sexual activity is allowed only a month after laparoscopic surgery and 3 months after abdominal surgery. At the same time, a woman should be protected with oral contraceptives, which will not only prevent pregnancy, but also help restore hormonal levels. Compulsory contraception with drugs is required for 6-9 months after surgery. Only after this period a new pregnancy is possible. There is also a high chance of infection in the postoperative period, so doctors advise using condoms for every sexual contact.

Restoration of the menstrual cycle

Reviews of ovarian pregnancy report that the first menstruation after surgery normally occurs after 28-40 days. If menstruation began earlier, then we can talk about ovarian, uterine or tubal bleeding, and if later, then about hormonal disorders or the presence of complications.

For women who have had an ectopic pregnancy, it is very important to carefully plan the subsequent bearing of the child, as the likelihood of relapse is high. Practice shows that the best time for this is the period 1 year after the operation.

Possible Complications

It's hard to imagine any ectopic pregnancy going without consequences. Ovarian pregnancy, depending on the severity, has the following complications:

1. Rupture of ovarian tissue. In this condition, the complete removal of the organ is indicated.
2. Great blood lossinto the abdominal cavity, which accompanies the rupture of the ovary. At the same time, the woman feels acute pain, blood pressure is disturbed.
3. Development of infertility due to the absence of one of the ovaries.

In rare cases, death from massive blood loss is possible.

Signs of ovarian rupture

Symptoms of an ectopic ovarian pregnancy are significantly increased when it comes to a violation of the integrity of the ovary:

1. Pain in the lower abdomen, which occurs due to irritation of the abdominal cavity. Unpleasant sensations arise in the area of the affected ovary and gradually spread throughout the abdomen. They are permanent and very strong.



2. Weakness and loss of consciousness develop against the background of oxygen deficiency due to large blood loss.
3. Frequent urge to defecate and loose stools indicate irritation of the walls of the rectum, pouring blood inside.
4. Nausea and vomiting appear due to the negative effect of lack of oxygen on the nervous system.
5. Hemorrhagic shock is a condition in which a woman feels cold sweat, shortness of breath, clouding of her mind, pale skin, apathy. At the same time, there is a decrease in blood pressure up to critical levels. This condition develops due to large blood loss and is life-threatening.

If these symptoms are detected, it is necessary to call an ambulance as soon as possible and take the woman to the hospital, where an operation will be urgently performed to cleanse the abdominal cavity andremoval of the abnormal ovary.

Is it possible to have a baby with an ectopic pregnancy

The only organ where a fetus can develop is the uterus. Attachment of the fetal egg to the ovary, fallopian tubes and other places not intended for this is a pathology. The structure of the ovaries is not adapted to stretch with the fetus, resulting in a rupture of the organ.

Today, there are no methods that would help women carry ectopic pregnancies. This condition is pathological and poses a direct threat to the woman's life.

Prevention

Unfortunately, preventing an ectopic pregnancy is possible only in the complete absence of intimate relationships. However, you can significantly reduce the risks if you follow these recommendations from gynecologists:

1. From the start of sexual activity, it is necessary to regularly visit a female doctor for a preventive examination, even if there are no complaints.



2. Keep a calendar of menstrual cycles, and if they deviate, consult a specialist.
3. Timely and efficiently treat all possible diseases of the reproductive system. Including minor inflammations, as well as infectious diseases.
4. Start planning pregnancy with a preventive examination by a gynecologist.
5. Prevent or treat urinary tract disease.
6. Avoid abortion using modern contraceptives topreventing unwanted pregnancy. They contribute to the development of adhesions that prevent the embryo from attaching in the right place, as a result of which it attaches in the ovaries, tubes, cervix, and abdominal cavity.

In addition, as a preventive measure, it is recommended to maintain a he althy lifestyle, as well as completely stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.