10 Causes of Pelvic Pain
Cause #6: Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus. It can cause signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, late menstrual period, and other symptoms of an early pregnancy. The pain may be dull, crampy, sharp, and spread to the shoulder if there is bleeding into the abdomen.
Bleeding occurs as the embryo is growing in a site other than the uterus, a site that is unable to expand and allow the continual growth of the embryo. For example, an ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube will cause the tube to rupture leading to bleeding. Severe bleeding can result in shock, fainting, and tachycardia. Women at risk include those with pelvic inflammatory disease, prior tubal surgery, chlamydia infection, history of infertility, and use of assisted reproductive technology.
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