Ectopic Pregnancy in A 28-year-old Woman with CuT IUCD in Situ – A Case Report

Abstract

Background: There is a 3–4 percent chance of all pregnancies being ectopic in location. The risk of ectopic pregnancy to a woman using an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) is lower than that in a woman using no form of birth control. However if awoman gets pregnant whiles using the IUCD, the chances of having ectopic is more than 4 percent. Data on the occurrence of ectopic gestation with IUCD in situ is scanty, with no report of any such case in Ghana or West Africa. The objective of this report is therefore to contribute to knowledge on the subject with the view to bring it to attention among clinicians.Case: A 28year old woman (G3P1A+1) who has had copper IUCD in situ for over two years, reported to a health facility in Accra after missing her period for two weeks. She had performed a home-based urine pregnancy test on three separate occasions, and theywere all positive. A trans-vaginal ultrasound scan showed a small cystic lesion in the right adnexa with moderate fluid in the pouch of Douglas. A right tubal abortion was found at laparotomy.Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancy in women with an IUCD is an important major potential complication that can be life-threatening.Adequate counselling by clinicians would create awareness among clients for early reporting of amenorhoea and prompt intervention for desirable outcome.