Trends in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in New South Wales between 1990-1998

During the last three decades, ectopic pregnancy rates have increased considerably in different parts of the world including Australia. Recent reports, however, suggest that the incidence is decreasing or at least stabilising. An analysis of the New South Wales Inpatient Statistics Data collected during the period between 1990 and 1998 has shown a decline in the rate of ectopic pregnancy after 1993. Overall the rate decreased from 17.4 per 1000 births in 1990-1991 to 16.2 per 1000 births in 1997-1998. The decline was greater for women aged 35-44 years than for younger women. The findings are consistent with recent studies in other countries, which indicate slowing or the end of the previous upward trend in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy.