Psychatric Effect of Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy is any pregnancy in which the fertilized ovum implants outside the intrauterine cavity. More than 95 percent of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes. Another 2.5 percent occur in the cornua of the uterus, and the remainder are found in the ovary, cervix or abdominal cavity. Ectopic pregnancy causes major maternal morbidity and mortality, with pregnancy loss, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Previous ectopic pregnancy becomes a more significant risk factor with each successive occurrence. With one previous ectopic pregnancy treated by linear salpingostomy, the recurrence rate ranges from 15 to 20 percent, depending on the integrity of the contralateral tube. The unanticipated and sudden loss of a pregnancy can be a devastating and traumatic experience resulting in high levels of psychological morbidity for some women. EPLs can significantly contribute to the overall burden of psychopathology within a population. Recognition of this impact is important, so that severely affected individuals may be screened and treated appropriately. Further research to establish risk factors to promptly identify and treat these patients, and to optimize their management, is crucial"