Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube, where it cannot develop properly. The primary cause is a disruption or blockage in the fallopian tube that prevents the fertilized egg from traveling to the uterus.

Main Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy

• Damage or abnormalities in the fallopian tubes: This can be due to inflammation, infection, scarring, or congenital malformations that hinder the egg's movement

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Often caused by sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, PID can cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes, increasing ectopic pregnancy risk

• Previous ectopic pregnancy: Having had an ectopic pregnancy before significantly raises the chance of another

• Surgery: Past pelvic or abdominal surgeries, including tubal surgery, cesarean section, or appendectomy, can cause adhesions or scarring that obstruct the tubes

• Endometriosis: This condition, where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, can cause inflammation and structural changes that increase ectopic pregnancy risk

• Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs): While IUDs are effective at preventing intrauterine pregnancy, if pregnancy occurs with an IUD in place, it is more likely to be ectopic

• Fertility treatments: Procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF) can slightly increase the risk, as embryos may implant outside the uterus

• Smoking: Tobacco use increases certain proteins in the fallopian tubes that may interfere with embryo transport, raising ectopic pregnancy risk

• Other factors: Older maternal age, multiple sexual partners, and possibly emergency contraception failure can also contribute

In summary, ectopic pregnancy is mainly caused by any condition that damages or obstructs the fallopian tubes or interferes with the normal transport of the fertilized egg to the uterus