Ectopic pregnancy loss during fertility management

Using qualitative techniques, data were obtained from seven women who experienced an ectopic pregnancy loss while undergoing fertility management. Ectopic pregnancy is a risk factor associated with fertility management, but unlike early miscarriage in fertility management, an ectopic pregnancy has additional potential negative sequelae for the women, including risk for severe hemorrhage and death and threat to future fertility. The purpose of this study was to describe women's experiences of loss following diagnosis and treatment of an ectopic pregnancy while undergoing fertility management. A thematic analysis of the data derived from semistructured interviews was conducted. Themes emerging from the women's discussion of their pregnancy loss and fertility plans included physical pain and shutdown, emotional protection, grief, and pressure, endpoints, and decision making. For women continuing fertility management, both the life-threatening risks of future ectopics and time allowances for grieving were minimized.