Ectopic pregnancy and infertility following treatment of infertile couples: a follow-up of 929 cases

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1991 Nov 3;42(1):33-8. doi: 10.1016/0028-2243(91)90156-f.

Abstract

A follow-up analysis was made of 929 infertile couples, with special attention paid to ectopic pregnancy. The conception rate was 46%, and 9% of the pregnancies were ectopic. Previous ectopic pregnancy, an industrial occupation and smoking reduced the fecundity and increased the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Tubal damage as a verified reason for infertility and its treatment also increased the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed the strongest association with ectopic pregnancy to exist in the case of women with a previous ectopic pregnancy (9.9-fold risk) rather than women with primary infertility. Treatment of tubal damage by salpingostomy entailed a 6.0-fold risk and treatment by other methods a 2.8-fold risk. Women working in industry had a 3.5-fold risk of ectopic pregnancy compared with those in other professions.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / complications
  • Adult
  • Endocrine System Diseases / complications
  • Fallopian Tubes / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hysterosalpingography / adverse effects
  • Infertility, Female / etiology*
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / complications*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Tissue Adhesions / complications