(HealthDay News) -- An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube.

The growing fetus eventually will cause the fallopian tube to burst, which can lead to life-threatening bleeding that could require immediate surgery.

Half of women who develop an ectopic pregnancy have no known risk factors, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says.

Those risk factors that are known include:

• Previous ectopic pregnancy.
• Prior fallopian tube surgery.
• Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery.
• Certain sexually transmitted infections.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Endometriosis.
• Smoking.
• Being 35 years or older.
• History of infertility.
• Use of assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, seek emergency medical help if you have signs or symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, including:

• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain during pregnancy
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Extreme lightheadedness or fainting

Here are some conversations from myPCOSteam:

• "My Dr advised that my ovaries a covered in PCOS cysts so the chances of a period or ovulation are slim and I'm a high risk of a future ectopic."

• "Physically I am slowly healing. Emotionally I'm holding on for dear life. I had an ectopic pregnancy. Turns out the pregnancy was still holding up in my tube. They ended up doing surgery to remove my ruptured tube."

• "I have an appointment at the Mount Sinai Fertility clinic! This is such a blessing. I really do feel more optimistic now that my husband and I will be getting help. We have been trying to get pregnant for two years."

Here are some question-and-answer threads from myPCOSteam:

• Anyone using Metformin? How has your experience been? Any advice? My husband and I have been trying for almost 3 years with no luck.

• How are you getting pregnant? Losing hope really fast :(

Have you experienced an ectopic pregnancy?
Share in the comments below or directly on myPCOSteam.