Reproductive Health Education, Birth Control and Sexual Quality of Life in Ectopic Pregnancy

Overview

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is defined as the implantation of a fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tubes. EP is a potentially life-threatening condition due to the risk of tubal rupture and intra-abdominal bleeding. Management of ectopic pregnancy may involve medical or surgical treatment, often requiring hospitalization. Following treatment and discharge, women may experience physical, emotional, and sexual health challenges. In addition, the need for effective contraception after ectopic pregnancy treatment is critical due to the risk of recurrent ectopic pregnancy and the potential teratogenic effects of treatment agents such as methotrexate. However, limited data are available regarding contraceptive intentions and sexual quality of life after ectopic pregnancy treatment in Türkiye. This study aims to evaluate contraceptive intention and sexual quality of life in women treated for ectopic pregnancy and to examine the relationship between length of hospital stay, contraceptive intention, and sexual quality of life. Data will be collected using the Participant Information Form, the Contraceptive Intention Scale (CIS), and the Sexual Life Quality Scale-Women (SLQS-W). In addition, a reproductive health educational brochure will be provided to participants as part of post-treatment counseling.

This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted among women diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy who have completed medical or surgical treatment. Eligible participants are women aged 18 years and older who are clinically stable at the time of discharge. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive standard post-treatment care in addition to structured reproductive health counseling supported by an educational brochure addressing contraception and sexual health after ectopic pregnancy. The control group will receive standard post-treatment care only. Data will be collected at baseline and at follow-up using validated instruments. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics will be obtained using the Participant Information Form. Contraceptive intention will be assessed using the Contraceptive Intention Scale (CIS), and sexual quality of life will be evaluated using the Sexual Life Quality Scale-Women (SLQS-W). Length of hospital stay and treatment characteristics will be recorded. The primary outcomes of the study are contraceptive intention and sexual quality of life. The relationship between length of hospital stay, contraceptive intention, and sexual quality of life will be analyzed between the intervention and control groups. Participation is voluntary, and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrollment. The study has received ethical approval from the Ege University Medical Research Ethics Committee.