Patient's question:
I was supposed to have my period on the 17th of last month, but it still hasn't come yet. I took two early pregnancy tests in the meantime, and both were negative. However, in the recent few days, I've had a very small amount of bleeding, which is dark in color and looks like blood-tinged discharge. What could be going on?Doctor's answer:
Ectopic pregnancy refers to a fertilized egg implanting and beginning to grow outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is relatively dangerous and can easily cause heavy bleeding. After diagnosis, it is necessary to promptly choose conservative treatment or surgery. Most ectopic pregnancies are caused by chronic tubal inflammation, which is often due to retrograde infection of the reproductive tract or sexual activity during menstruation. Some women may also have ectopic pregnancies due to congenital abnormally curved fallopian tubes.