Final answer:
An ectopic pregnancy is a condition where an embryo implants outside the uterus, commonly due to factors like pelvic inflammatory disease, previous ectopic pregnancies, infections, or scar tissue in the fallopian tubes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term “ectopic” commonly refers to an ectopic pregnancy, where an embryo implants outside the uterus. The risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy include a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), previous ectopic pregnancies, infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, and surgeries or medical conditions that have resulted in scar tissue in the fallopian tubes. An important risk factor to highlight is the presence of scar tissue following a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, which can impede the embryo's journey to the uterus. This can result in the embryo implanting within the fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy) or in other locations such as the ovary (ovarian ectopic pregnancy) or abdomen (abdominal ectopic pregnancy). If left untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can lead to severe complications. Early detection is crucial for managing the condition effectively with less invasive treatments like the administration of methotrexate. However, if a tubal rupture has already occurred, surgical intervention becomes necessary.