Ectopic pregnancy: A seven‐year survey

Abstract

Over the seven years from 1971 to 1977, 287 women with ectopic pregnancy were admitted to the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne (one in 142 deliveries). The most important aetiological factors found were chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (35%), previous infertility (15%), the presence of an intrauterine contraceptive device (14%), a previous ectopic pregnancy (9%), and increasing parity and age. Only 2% of ectopic pregnancies occurred in teenage girls. Amenorrhoea and vaginal bleeding were absent in 14% and 16% of patients respectively. The only consistent features were pain in the lower part of the abdomen and pelvic tenderness. There were no maternal deaths.