Reproductive performance following a second ectopic gestation.

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose was to determine the obstetric outcome following a second ectopic gestation in women actively trying to conceive, with a review of the literature.

METHODS

Charts of 37 patients coded for having at least two ectopic pregnancies between 1986 and 1989 were reviewed. Duration of follow-up ranged from 7 months to 7 years with a mean follow-up time of 25 months.

RESULTS

We report a 45.4% intrauterine pregnancy rate, 27.3% live birth rate, and 36.4% recurrent ectopic pregnancy rate. Review of the literature shows an intrauterine pregnancy rate of 26-50%, live birth rate of 25-31.2%, and recurrent ectopic pregnancy rate of 7.7-40%.

CONCLUSIONS

Four of five studies report the risk of a third ectopic gestation is less than an intrauterine gestation. This may prove helpful in counseling patients with a history of recurrent ectopic gestation in choosing IVF or attempting conception naturally.