Risk Factors - Is it worth getting an STI test?

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I am currently recovering from tube removal surgery following an ectopic pregnancy at 7 weeks. I am in a happy long-term relationship (10 years) with one child already.

However, I can’t get my head around why this happened to me. I have read that a risk factor is PID which can be caused by STIs. I have never had an STI to my knowledge but now I am wondering if I should have some tests? Could my partner of cheated on me?

The surgeon commented that everything looked ‘healthy’ during surgery.

Would an STI test of been carried out routinely at EPU? Would it have been visible during surgery?

Thanks, I realise this may not be the most rationale of suggestions but I just want to understand why this happened.

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Dear Emerald,

I am so sorry to hear of your ectopic pregnancy loss,

Whilst there are risk factors such as PID, increasing maternal age and smoking to name a few, one third of people who experience ectopic pregnancy will have absolutely no risk factors.

They don’t routinely screen for infections in EPU. Infections such as chlamydia can also be dormant in the body for years without showing any symptoms, so it doesn’t automatically mean anyone has cheated either.

If you want a test to put your mind at rest, you can always complete this at your GP surgery or local sexual health clinic.

I know that when I had my ectopic pregnancy I also looked for a reason and almost automatically we tend to blame ourselves. From the bottom of my heart, there is nothing you could have done to prevent the ectopic pregnancy from happening. I cannot emphasise enough - you are not to blame. Please be kind to yourself and I send you gentle hugs.

Karen x

The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

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Emerald1920:
I am currently recovering from tube removal surgery following an ectopic pregnancy at 7 weeks. I am in a happy long-term relationship (10 years) with one child already.

However, I can’t get my head around why this happened to me. I have read that a risk factor is PID which can be caused by STIs. I have never had an STI to my knowledge but now I am wondering if I should have some tests? Could my partner of cheated on me?

The surgeon commented that everything looked ‘healthy’ during surgery.

Would an STI test of been carried out routinely at EPU? Would it have been visible during surgery?

Thanks, I realise this may not be the most rationale of suggestions but I just want to understand why this happened.

4

I posted a response and my message disappeared. It was just to say the idea of stds causing ectopic pregnancies is it causes abnormalities to your tubes causing the embryo to get stuck. The doctors said your tubes looked fine. Sometimes there is no cause or reason an ectopic happens early pregnancy is very unknown and docs just guess. Sometimes unfortunately it is just down to bad luck. I know that’s hard to hear. But if you are worried you should have a std test.

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Hi,

I’ve had sti tests in the past as a precaution and sti test with my current partner (been together 8 years ) as a doctor confused it for a water infection in my partner.

I’ve never had a sti and still had an ectopic pregnancy. I’ve only ever smoked a few times when I was a teenager and ive never done drugs.

I honestly think it’s just a case of bad luck. Don’t think it’s always to do with previous sti’s so try not to stress xx

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I’m truly sorry to hear about your recent experience, and I appreciate you reaching out with your concerns and questions. It’s completely understandable that you want to understand the circumstances surrounding your ectopic pregnancy.

Firstly, I want to express my sympathy for what you’re going through, and I hope you’re finding the support you need during this challenging time.

Regarding your questions:

STI Testing during Ectopic Pregnancy:

Typically, routine STI testing may not be carried out during an ectopic pregnancy procedure unless there are specific symptoms or risk factors identified by your healthcare provider. If you have concerns about STIs, it’s advisable to discuss them directly with your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance on whether testing is warranted based on your medical history.

Visibility of STIs during Surgery:

During surgery, the primary focus is often on addressing the ectopic pregnancy and related issues. While surgeons aim to address any visible abnormalities, not all STIs may be immediately evident during this procedure. If you have concerns about [url removed per Trust policy], discussing this with your healthcare provider outside the context of the surgery may be more appropriate.

Exploring Possible Causes:

It’s natural to seek answers and understand why an ectopic pregnancy occurred. However, it’s important to note that ectopic pregnancies can happen for various reasons, and in many cases, the exact cause may not be definitively identified. Factors such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or STIs are just a few potential contributors, and the absence of these does not necessarily mean there was foul play or any wrongdoing.

Open Communication with Your Partner:

If you have concerns about the possibility of an STI and its relation to your ectopic pregnancy, open communication with your partner is essential. Honest and supportive conversations can help both of you understand each other’s perspectives and work through any questions or uncertainties together.

I strongly recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss these concerns, explore potential causes, and address any questions you may have. They can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and circumstances.

Wishing you strength and support during your recovery.

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I had an STI test and thankfully it was all clear. I guess just ‘one of those things’ that has happened to me unfortunately. Thanks for all of your replies, I am coping a lot better now I am a few months on and feeling optimistic.