What Is Hydrosalpinx?

Hydrosalpinx – Overview

A fallopian tube that is obstructed by a liquid is known as a hydrosalpinx. The terms “hydro” and “salpinx” are used to denote the fallopian tube and water, respectively.

This disorder is frequently brought on by endometriosis, a pelvic or sexually transmitted infection, or recent surgery. While some women have no symptoms, others may have persistent or regular lower abdominal pain or strange vaginal discharge.

In all circumstances, the condition may affect your fertility.

To discover more about this illness, the various potential therapies, and how you might successfully become pregnant with your doctor’s assistance, keep reading.

What Is Hydrosalpinx?

Hydrosalpinx is a condition where a fallopian tube becomes filled and obstructed with fluid as a result of disease or trauma which ultimately affect fertility.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hydrosalpinx

There are different factors that may cause Hydrosalpinx, including:

• Infections which sexually transmitted (STIs).
• Fallopian tube infection.
• Swelling brought by appendicitis.
• Scars after operations for illnesses such as appendicitis.
• Prior to fallopian tube surgery.

As part of an immune reaction, the body sends inflammatory cells to the injured area as soon as a person is hurt. After surgery, the same reaction could take place.

The fallopian tubes may expand as a result, and eventually, they may close or become blocked.

Symptoms of Hydrosalpinx

Many persons who have hydrosalpinx won’t show any symptoms. They could not become aware of their condition until they are unable to conceive, as a result.

Those who do have signs of hydrosalpinx may feel irregular vaginal discharge as well as pelvic and abdominal pain, which may get worse during a menstrual cycle.

Diagnosis of Hydrosalpinx

Physicians can determine hydrosalpinx using one or more of the following procedures:

Laparoscopy: is also referred to as keyhole surgery, which is a medical procedure in which a surgeon creates a few tiny incisions in the belly before inserting a camera. They can then examine the organs and take corrective action, like draining fluid, thanks to this.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): is a kind of X-ray that can display the fallopian tubes and uterus. It is frequently used by doctors to aid with tube blockage detection. During the treatment, a particular dye that can be seen on X-rays is injected through the cervix and vagina.

Sonohysterosalpingography: or sonohysterogram is a kind of ultrasound that use sound waves to look at the uterus. It can assist a doctor in identifying probable uterine disorders that could explain reproductive problems. It can assist doctors to identify whether there is a blockage even though they typically cannot use it to physically examine the fallopian tubes.

MRI or CT scan: may be used by a doctor to evaluate the fallopian tubes and look for obstructions. Trusted Source

Ultrasound scan: can be used by a clinician to look for fallopian tube obstructions. If it is a substantial hydrosalpinx, they might be able to recognize it.

Treatment of Hydrosalpinx

Surgery

The surgical procedure followed by IVF to help with conception is the most popular treatment for hydrosalpinx. The fallopian tube is typically fully removed.

Moreover, Surgery might also require the removal of further adhesions, scar tissue, or endometrial growths, depending on what caused the hydrosalpinx in the first place.

Another choice is to artificially block the afflicted tube at the uterine end, which will lessen the likelihood that it will have an impact on the uterine environment. If PID is the cause of the hydrosalpinx, antibiotics will also be administered to treat that condition.

Pregnancy and live birth chances are significantly lower than anticipated when patients undergo IVF treatment without surgically removing the diseased fallopian tube. This is why many fertility doctors advise removing the hydrosalpinx surgically before starting IVF.

Surgical repair of fallopian tubes. other types of fallopian tube blockages might be treated in this way when the obstruction is removed but the tube is left intact.

Unfortunately, using hydrosalpinx along with this is not advised. Blockage and edema frequently recur. It is not advised to seek natural conception after repairing a hydrosalpinx.

Sclerotherapy. is a non-surgical alternative for tube removal. The liquid is sucked from the compromised tube during this technique.

The tube is then filled with a sclerosing chemical to stop it from refilling with fluid. This is performed less invasively than laparoscopic surgery by the use of a vaginal ultrasound-guided needle. There is some uncertainty about the procedure’s potential hazards and whether it is indeed superior to removing the tube.

Pregnancy and Hydrosalpinx

Depending on the degree of your blockage and your chosen course of treatment, you may or may not be able to become pregnant if you have a hydrosalpinx.

Pregnancy is still possible without medication, but the likelihood of complications like miscarriage is increased. The outlook is significantly better with treatment, particularly with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

According to recent studies, sclerotherapy and salpingectomy have comparable success rates when used in conjunction with IVF.

Your doctor is the finest source of information about your particular condition and may help direct you toward the course of action that would be most beneficial for you.

References

https://www.verywellfamily.com/hydrosalpinx-treatment-diagnosis-and-causes-1959943

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320677#diagnosis

https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/hydrosalpinx#ivf-after-treatment

See Also

Kruger’s Strict vs. WHO Criteria

Progestin Side Effects

HCG Level Ranges

Infertility Insurance

Getting Pregnant