Prior to starting a consulting role with the Georgia Division of Aging Services, Dr. Maureen Muoneke spent nearly a decade delivering care at a private women's health care clinic. Dr. Maureen Muoneke specializes in treating infertility and pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancies.
Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg begins to develop before implanting in the uterus. Since other parts of the reproductive system cannot accommodate a growing embryo, an ectopic pregnancy can cause considerable damage.
While any woman of childbearing age can develop an ectopic pregnancy, the condition is more prevalent in the following circumstances:
1. Using an intrauterine device (IUD) - This type of contraceptive uses hormones to prevent fertilization and ovulation. However, less than 1 percent of women with an IUD may still become pregnant. Since the IUD blocks implementation in the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy is more likely.
2. Endometriosis - This disorder causes uterine tissue to grow in other areas of the reproductive system. This can cause cysts and scar tissue to develop from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes and impede a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
3. Prior ectopic pregnancies - A history of ectopic pregnancies may suggest a chronic issue with the reproductive system. This includes abnormal fallopian tubes, infection, or inflammation.
Ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg begins to develop before implanting in the uterus. Since other parts of the reproductive system cannot accommodate a growing embryo, an ectopic pregnancy can cause considerable damage.
While any woman of childbearing age can develop an ectopic pregnancy, the condition is more prevalent in the following circumstances:
1. Using an intrauterine device (IUD) - This type of contraceptive uses hormones to prevent fertilization and ovulation. However, less than 1 percent of women with an IUD may still become pregnant. Since the IUD blocks implementation in the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy is more likely.
2. Endometriosis - This disorder causes uterine tissue to grow in other areas of the reproductive system. This can cause cysts and scar tissue to develop from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes and impede a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
3. Prior ectopic pregnancies - A history of ectopic pregnancies may suggest a chronic issue with the reproductive system. This includes abnormal fallopian tubes, infection, or inflammation.
