Training presentation on Ectopic Pregnancy produced by and copyright to The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust

1. The Psychological Impact of Ectopic Pregnancy Analysis of 400 questionnaires providing qualitative and quantitative data

2. The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Providing information, education and support, to those whose lives are affected by the condition and to the professionals who care for them

3. Research Our questionnaire assesses many aspects of the individuals experience of an ectopic pregnancy, including diagnosis, symptoms and the emotional impact of the condition.

4. How the data was gathered Independent analysis of the questionnaire to identify for common trends was undertaken in 2004 and reviewed in 2009. 400 of the questionnaires completed by EPT service users, who have experienced ectopic pregnancy were randomly sampled.

5. Common categories identified EMOTIONAL CHANGES Feelings about self Feelings about fertility General outlook/attitude. EFFECT ON FAMILY Feelings towards children Feelings towards partner/sexual relationship. AFFECT ON LIFESTYLE

6. Feelings about self Depression Feeling let down by their own body Feeling incomplete as a woman Angry with themselves for failing in some way Much more tearful than usual Feeling unattractive Preoccupation with the condition and recurrence in the future Hatred of the visible scar

7. Feelings about fertility and sexuality Fear of another ectopic pregnancy Fear of infertility Fear of requiring assisted conception Desperate for, yet scared of future pregnancies Subsequent pregnancies very stressful Increased concern over health, especially STD’s, diet, fitness Hatred of sexual organs

8. General outlook and attitude Altered value of own life (more aware of own mortality) Preoccupied with death Less optimistic about life Generally more anxious/worried Aware of difficulties facing other women Feel life is worthless

9. Effect on relationships with family Altered feelings towards partner and sexual relationship Strain on or the end of relationships: With partner, children, parents, siblings. No libido: Sexual relationship on hold, feeling scared of intercourse Guilt ( I have let him/them down) Physical contact unwelcome (even affectionate kissing)

10. Effects on relationships with existing children Less patient with children Less able to manage behaviour in children Guilt about not being able to give existing children a sibling Guilt about being a bad mother Overprotective towards children

11. Effects on work and social lifestyle Depressed when friends are pregnant or have babies Jealous of pregnant women unable to work short and long term Loss of confidence Lack of support from friends and family due to ignorance over condition

12. Most common words and phrases in the qualitative data Grief (felt deeply and affecting activities of living) Relationships (adversely affected) Guilt (feeling responsible in some way) Anger (with self and with others) Depression (unable to live life normally) Fear of Dying (preoccupation with own and others death) Womanhood (feeling a loss of self and selfworth)

13. CONCLUSION. The most significant things identified by women to improve their recovery were: The need for sensitively delivered, accurate information at the point of treatment Greater understanding of her emotional needs among the professionals, her family and members of the general public of the condition and the longer term affects. Increased awareness of the condition among women of childbearing age

14. Make a difference to your patients. Supply our literature Contact us: The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust C/o Golden Jubilee Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS www.ectopic.org.uk or ept@ectopic.org.uk 0207 733 26543

15. © This slideshow is copyright to The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust It may be used or reproduced, without alteration by the medico nursing profession or other interested parties, for the purposes of training and education