- Published
- 01 February 2023
- Journal article
The Impact of COVID-19 on Assessment and Management of Ectopic Pregnancies
- Authors
- Source
- Reproduction & Fertility
Full text
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the public delayed seeking medical help that may have affected the impact of having an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when pregnancy tissue grows outside its normal position in the womb, and it can be life threatening. It can be treated by non-surgical or surgical options and any delay in seeking help can reduce the options for treatment and increase the need for more urgent management. We wanted to assess whether there were differences in the presentation and management of ectopic pregnancies in a major teaching hospital between 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2021 (COVID-19 period). We found that the pandemic did not cause a delay in seeking medical help or cause worse outcomes. In fact, immediate surgical treatment and time in hospital was less during COVID-19, perhaps because of a desire to avoid
admission to hospital. One outcome of COVID-19 is reassurance that we can safely use more non-surgical treatments for ectopic pregnancies.
admission to hospital. One outcome of COVID-19 is reassurance that we can safely use more non-surgical treatments for ectopic pregnancies.
Cite as
Chung, B., Greene, C., Pearson, A., Starrs, L. & Duncan, W. 2023, 'The Impact of COVID-19 on Assessment and Management of Ectopic Pregnancies', Reproduction & Fertility. https://doi.org/10.1530/RAF-22-0073