Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTransvaginal UltrasoundCausesSymptomsTreatmentsAfter SurgeryResources and Support
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Transvaginal Ultrasound
Causes
Symptoms
Treatments
After Surgery
Resources and Support
Hydrosalpinxis a fluid blockage in afallopian tube. It often occurs at the far end of the tube, near the area where the tube connects to your ovary. It can be a problem if you are trying to conceive.
A fallopian tube provides the egg’s pathway when it leaves your ovary. It is a meeting place for the egg and sperm. It also allows the fertilized egg to travel to your uterus. A blockage can prevent the egg from making that journey.
A damaged tube can remain without causing symptoms. However, it can affect your chances of getting pregnant, even if you usein vitro fertilization (IVF). Fixing the blockage before IVF is often advised.
This article explains how hydrosalpinx affects your fallopian tubes. It also describes causes, symptoms, treatments, and what to expect after treating this problem.
Charday Penn / Getty Images
Hydrosalpinx on Ultrasound: Fallopian Tube Effects
A hydrosalpinx is usually easy to identify withtransvaginal ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create detailed images of internal areas of your body.
A transvaginal ultrasound uses a transducer (a small, lubricated probe slightly larger than a tampon) that is inserted into your vagina. The transducer uses sound waves to create images of your fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs.
Hydrosalpinx on ultrasound appears as a swollen and distended fallopian tube with a sausage-like appearance. The blockage often has what’s known as a “waist sign,” distinctive indentations along the walls of the tube, making it look like a human waist.
When identified via ultrasound, hydrosalpinx can also show the following characteristics:
Diagnosis of hydrosalpinx can also be done using ahysterosalpingogram(HSG) test. During this procedure, your uterus is filled with a dye that is administered through your cervix (the neck of the womb) to provide visual contrast. The uterus is then examined using an X-ray to see where the liquid goes or if a blockage traps it.
Two Types of Adnexal Masses: Hydrosalpinx and Ovarian CystAnadnexal massis a growth that develops in the female pelvic region. Hydrosalpinx andovarian cystsare two types of adnexal masses.They both trigger inflammation in the reproductive organs and can sometimes be difficult to differentiate clinically and in imaging studies.A hydrosalpinx is fluid that causes a blockage in a fallopian tube, usually near the uterus. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary.
Two Types of Adnexal Masses: Hydrosalpinx and Ovarian Cyst
Anadnexal massis a growth that develops in the female pelvic region. Hydrosalpinx andovarian cystsare two types of adnexal masses.They both trigger inflammation in the reproductive organs and can sometimes be difficult to differentiate clinically and in imaging studies.A hydrosalpinx is fluid that causes a blockage in a fallopian tube, usually near the uterus. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary.
Anadnexal massis a growth that develops in the female pelvic region. Hydrosalpinx andovarian cystsare two types of adnexal masses.
They both trigger inflammation in the reproductive organs and can sometimes be difficult to differentiate clinically and in imaging studies.
A hydrosalpinx is fluid that causes a blockage in a fallopian tube, usually near the uterus. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary.
Causes of Hydrosalpinx
About 30$ to 40% of women diagnosed with infertility have damaged or blocked fallopian tubes.Hydrosalpinx is the most common tubal disease leading to infertility.
Hydrosalpinx causes, and risk factors include the following:
Hydrosalpinx Symptoms: How to Tell
The primary symptom of hydrosalpinx is infertility. However, hydrosalpinx often exists without symptoms. It is common to be unaware you have a blocked fallopian tube until your healthcare provider finds it during tests to identify the cause of your infertility.
When symptoms occur, they can include the following:
Infertility Treatment Options for Hydrosalpinx
Research shows that people with hydrosalpinx have embryo implantation and pregnancy rates that are 50% lower than those of people without the condition.
Hydrosalpinx creates a combination of mechanical and chemical factors that disrupt the fallopian tube and the uterine environment. It is also believed that the hydrosalpinx fluid has a toxic effect on the embryo and receptivity to the embryo in the uterus.
The type of treatment you have for hydrosalpinx depends on the cause and severity of your blockage and other factors related to the health of your reproductive organs. The following treatments are most commonly used:
Nonsurgical
Nonsurgical options include:
Surgical
Surgical options include:
After Hydrosalpinx Surgery
If you have hydrosalpinx surgery, you can expect to stay in the hospital for two to three days. It will take about four to six weeks for a full recovery. Complications of these surgeries include the growth of new fallopian tube scar tissue and a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Like any surgery, hydrosalpinx surgery also includes the possibilities of the following complications, which could jeopardize your recovery and outcomes:
Nonsurgical options typically involve less downtime and reduce the risk of complications.
Factors such as your age, the amount of tubal scarring, and the severity of other fertility conditions affect your chances of getting pregnant after hydrosalpinx surgery.
Research shows that women who had blockages near the uterus rather than structural blockages or scarring have a better chance of getting pregnant. Having fallopian tubes at least 7.5 centimeters (cm) long after tubal surgery can also make you more likely to conceive.
If you have blocked fallopian tubes that are not treatable, you may still benefit from IVF. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the procedure to provide the best outcomes based on your condition.
Hydrosalpinx is just one of many factors that can interfere with your ability to become pregnant naturally or with artificial reproductive technologies like IVF. About 10% of U.S. women between the ages of 15 and 44 have problems getting pregnant or staying pregnant.
If you are dealing with infertility for any reason, you may benefit from resources that can provide education and access to the proper care, local support groups, and online communities.
Talk to your healthcare provider to learn about local resources. Many hospitals and fertility providers sponsor support groups for their patients. Or, investigate the following national organizations for local and online resources:
Summary
Hydrosalpinx is a common problem that involves a fluid blockage in your fallopian tube. It often occurs without symptoms, so you may have it and not know it exists.
Hydrosalpinx can become a problem if you are trying to get pregnant. Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of female infertility. A blocked fallopian tube prevents smooth passage of the egg before and after fertilization.
Hydrosalpinx can cause a setback to getting pregnant. However, knowing you have it can allow you to research your options and begin treatment. Research shows that treating this problem before trying to get pregnant on your own or with IVF can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
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