Surreal illustration of ectopic pregnancy in Iran.

Ectopic Pregnancy in Iran: Unveiling the Trends and Hidden Risks

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Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"A deep dive into the prevalence of ectopic pregnancies in Iran reveals critical insights for women's health and fertility planning."


Ectopic pregnancy (EP), a condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, remains a significant threat to women's health worldwide. While advancements in diagnosis and treatment have reduced mortality rates in developed countries, EP continues to pose challenges, especially in developing regions.

Understanding the prevalence of EP is crucial for effective healthcare planning and resource allocation. However, obtaining accurate data can be difficult due to variations in diagnostic criteria, reporting methods, and access to care. In Iran, several studies have explored EP rates, but a clear picture remains elusive. This article delves into the findings of a recent systematic review and meta-analysis, shedding light on the prevalence of EP among Iranian women and the factors influencing these trends.

This analysis synthesizes data from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of EP rates in Iran, focusing on both obstetrical clients and infertile patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). By examining regional differences, time trends, and methodological variations, this article aims to offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and women seeking to understand their reproductive health risks.

Key Findings: Prevalence and Influencing Factors

Surreal illustration of ectopic pregnancy in Iran.

A meta-analysis of eight studies involving 571,826 Iranian women revealed an overall EP prevalence of 3.1 per 1000 pregnancies. This rate varied significantly depending on the population studied. Among women in obstetrical units of hospitals, the prevalence was 2.9 per 1000, while infertile patients undergoing ART experienced a higher rate of 5% (53 per 1000).

The study also identified notable trends over time. EP prevalence decreased from 3.2 per 1000 in studies conducted before 2000 to 1.5 per 1000 in studies between 2000 and 2005. However, it subsequently increased to 2.6 per 1000 in studies after 2005. Regional disparities were also evident, with Tehran exhibiting a higher EP prevalence compared to other regions like Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kermanshah.

  • ART and EP Risk: Women undergoing ART have a significantly higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.
  • Regional Differences: EP rates vary across different regions of Iran, highlighting potential geographical or environmental influences.
  • Data Collection Challenges: Inconsistent data collection methods and diagnostic criteria may contribute to variations in reported EP rates.
  • Study Quality Matters: Studies of lower methodological quality tend to underestimate EP prevalence.
Several factors could explain these variations. The higher EP rate among ART patients is consistent with global trends, as ART procedures can increase the risk of ectopic implantation. Regional differences might be attributed to variations in access to healthcare, environmental factors, or the prevalence of risk factors like pelvic inflammatory disease. The study also acknowledges that inconsistencies in data collection and diagnostic criteria across different studies could contribute to the observed variations.

Implications and Future Directions

This systematic review underscores the need for more comprehensive and standardized data collection on EP in Iran. The observed heterogeneity in EP rates highlights the limitations of current data and the challenges in accurately assessing the burden of this condition.

Future research should focus on conducting large-scale, population-based studies using consistent diagnostic criteria and reporting methods. Further investigation is also warranted to explore the underlying factors contributing to regional disparities and temporal trends in EP prevalence. Understanding these factors is essential for developing targeted prevention and management strategies.

Ultimately, improving the accuracy and availability of EP data will empower healthcare professionals and policymakers to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and provide optimal care for Iranian women at risk of or experiencing ectopic pregnancy. This includes promoting awareness, improving access to early diagnosis and treatment, and addressing the specific needs of women undergoing ART.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/jebm.12320, Alternate LINK

Title: Ectopic Pregnancy Rate In Iranian Midwifery Clients And Infertile Patients Treated By Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Subject: Health Policy

Journal: Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Pouran Mokhtari Zanjani, Elahe Ahmadnia, Roghieh Kharaghani

Published: 2018-11-13

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is ectopic pregnancy, and what's the general rate of occurrence in Iran according to recent studies?

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. In Iran, a meta-analysis found an overall EP prevalence of 3.1 per 1000 pregnancies. This condition poses significant health risks to women and can affect future fertility.

2

How does the prevalence of ectopic pregnancy differ between women in obstetrical units and those undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in Iran?

The meta-analysis revealed that women in obstetrical units had an EP prevalence of 2.9 per 1000, while infertile patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) experienced a higher rate of 5% (53 per 1000). This difference suggests ART procedures can elevate the risk of ectopic implantation.

3

Were there any notable trends or regional differences in ectopic pregnancy rates identified in the systematic review conducted in Iran?

The systematic review showed EP prevalence decreased from 3.2 per 1000 (pre-2000) to 1.5 per 1000 (2000-2005), then increased to 2.6 per 1000 (post-2005). Regional disparities were also noted, with Tehran exhibiting a higher EP prevalence compared to Mashhad, Tabriz, and Kermanshah. These temporal and geographical variations highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing EP rates.

4

Why do assisted reproductive technologies (ART) potentially increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, and what does the data in Iran show?

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are associated with a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy due to the nature of the procedures. While ART helps many achieve pregnancy, it can sometimes lead to ectopic implantation. The meta-analysis found a significantly higher EP rate among infertile patients undergoing ART (5%) compared to the general obstetrical population (2.9 per 1000).

5

What challenges exist in collecting data on ectopic pregnancy in Iran, and how might these inconsistencies affect our understanding of its prevalence?

Inconsistencies in data collection and diagnostic criteria across different studies make it challenging to accurately assess ectopic pregnancy (EP) prevalence. Standardizing these practices is crucial for obtaining reliable data and implementing effective healthcare strategies. The systematic review emphasizes the need for comprehensive and uniform data collection to address the heterogeneity in EP rates and improve reproductive healthcare planning. Future studies should focus on using consistent methodologies and diagnostic standards to reduce variability and enhance the accuracy of prevalence estimates.

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