Ectopic pregnancy - Preventing ectopic pregnancy

You cannot always prevent an ectopic pregnancy, but you can reduce your risk of having one by protecting yourself against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is thought to be the leading cause of ectopic pregnancies, as it can damage your fallopian tubes.

PID is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which starts in the vagina and spreads to the reproductive organs higher up.

Preventing STIs

The male condom is the most effective method of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's also important to have regular sexual health check-ups:

  • when you start a relationship with a new partner
  • after having unprotected sex
  • after having sexual contact with someone who you think may have been infected with an STI
  • if you experience any symptoms of an STI

You can have a sexual health check-up by visiting your local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic. To find your local clinic, see the NHS Choices service directory.

Read more about the health benefits associated with using a condom and safe sex.

Quitting smoking

Stopping smoking will also lower your risk of ectopic pregnancy as well as many other serious health conditions, including lung cancer, stroke and heart disease.

If you decide to stop smoking, your GP can refer you to an NHS Stop Smoking Service, which will provide you with dedicated help and advice about the best ways to give up smoking. You can also call the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1014 (England only). The specially trained helpline staff can give you free expert advice and encouragement.

If you are committed to giving up smoking but don't want to be referred to a stop smoking service, your GP should be able to prescribe medical treatment to help with any withdrawal symptoms you may have after giving up.

For more information about giving up smoking, read our pages on treatment for quitting smoking and stopping smoking.

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