Ectopic pregnancy and age risk: what to know

An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the main cavity of the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. The chance can be higher with increasing age, but age cannot confirm or exclude the condition. Previous ectopic pregnancy, damage or inflammation affecting a tube, fertility treatment, and pregnancy with an intrauterine device in place may also shape assessment. Pelvic inflammatory disease is one condition that can affect the tubes; learn more about [Pelvic Inflammatory Disease](/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/).

A positive pregnancy test with one-sided lower abdominal or pelvic pain deserves medical advice, even if the pain is mild and there is no bleeding. [Pelvic Pain](/symptoms/pelvic-pain/) can have many causes, so examination and testing are needed to identify the source.

Contact a maternity or emergency service promptly if you have pregnancy symptoms alongside pain, dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, or unusual bleeding. Clinicians may use pregnancy hormone blood tests over time and a [Transvaginal Ultrasound](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/transvaginal-ultrasound/) to locate the pregnancy. Until assessed, note when pain began, where it is felt, and whether it is changing; do not rely on age to judge urgency.

Seek emergency help for sudden or severe abdominal pain, fainting, marked weakness, shoulder-tip pain, or heavy bleeding. These symptoms can signal internal bleeding from a pregnancy outside the uterus and need immediate assessment. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint.

Ask which factors in your history affect your assessment, when an ultrasound should be repeated, and what symptoms should send you to emergency care. If treatment is needed, ask whether medication, monitoring, or surgery is appropriate; [Salpingectomy](/treatments/gynaecological-surgery/salpingectomy/) is a procedure that removes a fallopian tube in selected situations.