What is the etiology of an ectopic pregnancy?

The etiology of an ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes. This occurs instead of the normal implantation within the uterine lining. Ectopic pregnancies can be caused by various factors that disrupt the normal movement of the fertilized egg through the fallopian tube to the uterus, including previous pelvic surgery, inflammation or infection of the reproductive organs, or structural abnormalities in the reproductive tract. A developing ectopic pregnancy cannot progress normally and poses significant health risks to the individual, often requiring medical intervention. The other choices describe different processes not related to ectopic pregnancies, such as normal implantation or complications involving miscarriage and infection.