Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What is the most common cause of ectopic pregnancy?

Hormonal imbalance
Previous surgeries
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Congenital anomalies

The correct answer is: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

The most common cause of ectopic pregnancy is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes, which are the structures through which a fertilized egg normally travels to reach the uterus. When the tubes are affected by PID, the embryo may implant in the tube itself rather than in the uterine cavity, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This condition is often the result of sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, that cause inflammation and can compromise the normal structure and function of the reproductive organs. PID is recognized as a significant risk factor because it directly impacts the anatomy and environment within the pelvis, making it less conducive for the embryo to implant in the uterus as it should.