Second Chapter
Dr. Álvaro Monterrosa Castro, MD
Ectopic pregnancy can be a consequence of previous Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. It is considered that one, two, three or more episodes of PID may be related to an ectopic pregnancy rate in future pregnancies of 4, 11 and 20%, respectively (106).
The use of oral contraceptives reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy by more than 90% compared to women who do not use any family planning method. This is because combined oral contraceptives are very effective in preventing pregnancy, mainly by inhibiting ovulation.
The fewer eggs that are available to be fertilized, the less chance of pregnancy and the less chance of ectopic pregnancy. The Oxford Family Planning Association (FPA) study found no cases of ectopic pregnancy among users of combined oral contraceptives. Compared to an incidence of 6.9% among Intrauterine Device users.
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The protective effect appears to be limited to the duration of use of the combined oral contraceptive. Mol et al (107) recently performed a meta-analysis. To evaluate the risk of ectopic pregnancy caused by various family planning methods and confirm that oral contraceptives have a protective effect against ectopic pregnancy.
In women with a history of ectopic pregnancy who desire a planning method. The use of combined oral contraceptives should be considered in light of this benefit (43).
Dr. Álvaro Monterrosa Castro, MD
