Hydrosalpinx is a condition in which fluid accumulates at the far end of a woman's fallopian tube, which can block the fallopian tube and cause infertility. The size and severity of the condition can vary, and many times the condition is only noted after a woman cannot conceive. Below, we will take a look at the basics of this common condition, and how it can be treated.‍

The Basics

‍When a woman has hydrosalpinx, one or both of the fallopian tubes is blocked by an accumulation of fluid at the far end of the tube. Depending on the severity of the condition, the affected area can be as big as several centimeters in diameter. If both fallopian tubes are blocked by hydrosalpinx, infertility will occur. If only one tube is blocked, the chances of pregnancy are reduced, but not eliminated. The fallopian tubes are essential in allowing pregnancy to occur. Sperm travel through the cervix and uterus into the fallopian tubes, where they join with an egg that has been ovulated. The fertilized egg then travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus. If an embryo implants in the uterus, pregnancy occurs. When the fallopian tubes are blocked, the sperm cannot reach the eggs, and a fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus.

In most cases, few physical symptoms occur from this condition, and many women never know they have a blocked fallopian tube until it is detected as part of testing for infertility. When symptoms do occur, they usually manifest as pelvic or abdominal pain.

Treatment for Hydrosalpinx

Women with blocked fallopian tubes often turn to IVF in order to get pregnant. Although IVF is successful in many cases, studies actually show that women with hydrosalpinx are also less likely to get pregnant through IVF. The rate of pregnancy and implantation is lower, and the rate of miscarriage is higher. It is theorized that the reduced fertility is caused by fluid from the fallopian tubes entering the uterus. Hydrosalpinx can be treated with the following procedures:

• Salpingectomy, or removal of the fallopian tube
• Tubal ligation, or severing or pinching shut the fallopian tubes
• Essure, a coil placed in the fallopian tube

Research shows that salpingectomy may be the most effective form of treatment for this condition. Salpingectomy increases the chances of natural conception in women with one-sided fallopian tube blockage, and in increasing the chances of success with IVF. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your infertility. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.