“What could be the reason behind repeated ectopic pregnancies?”
My wife has had 3 ectopic pregnancies and we are extremely worried. What could be the reason for these failed pregnancies?
13 Answers
OB-GYN(Obstetrician-Gynecologist)EctopicPregnancy
There are multiple causes of ectopic or recurrent ectopic pregnancies. The most common is tubal injury- such as past history of salpingitis -from sexually transmitted diseases, or unknown pelvic inflamatory diseases, or tubal surgery such as surgical management of prior ectopic pregnancy, what is known as salpingostomy (salpingotomy) and Reversal of prior Tubal ligation procedure.
Her progesterone level may be low. She may need some progesterone. I hope she did not have a history of PID. A history of ectopic pregnancy can predispose one to another ectopic, but she should see an REI, meaning reproductive endocrinology infertility.
Ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy. The more you have it, the greater chance of its recurrence. Would consider in vitro fertilization.
Damage to fallopian tubes is the most likely cause. She should see her gynecologist for a work up of the issue.
Ectopic pregnancy can be due to a subclinical /pid infection of the fallopian tube, smoking/long-term use of progesterone-only birth control. These are just some of the causes; there can also be prior surgery, which can cause scar tissue that can kink the tube, or some pathology which blocks the tube. She really needs to follow up with her gynecologist for further evaluation.
l am sorry to read this. In my experience, the common cause is chronic inflammation of the tubes causing kinking and narrowness of the tubes.
Repeated ectopic pregnancies occur if the fallopian tubes are damaged due to past pelvic infection, but not totally blocked or not normal since birth.
There can be several reasons for repeat ectopic pregnancies: previous tubal scars from infections, endometriosis, hydrosalpinx, to congenital malformation of the reproductive organs, just to name a few. I recommend seeing a gynecologist for a full evaluation, which would include imaging, cultures, laparoscopy and possibly a tubal ligation and pregnancy via IVF. It can be frustrating and expensive for couples to go through, but the pay off is a beautiful child by the two of you!
Good luck,
Dr. Dale R. Yingling, FACOG
Good luck,
Dr. Dale R. Yingling, FACOG
Ectopic pregnancy usually is the result from damaged fallopian tubes from scarring. This can be from undiagnosed infections earlier in life or from past ectopics that have left residual scarring, causing recurrence.
Rob Muller
Rob Muller
There are many reasons why. You need to have a good history taken by a GYN and probably some testing done. Risk factors are pelvic surgery, pelvic infections and endometriosis.
![](https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor_images/avatar.png)
RJ Di Blasi
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)
Scarred tubes from previous infections