Fertility is dependent on many factors. Conditions that affect even one part of the reproductive system can cause a delay in getting pregnant. One such condition is hydrosalpinx, which affects the fallopian tubes and often goes unnoticed until conception becomes difficult.
In this article, we shall take a closer look at this condition and its potential effects on pregnancy.
Hydrosalpinx usually happens as a result of inflammation or infection in the fallopian tubes. The body, in an effort to heal itself, triggers an immune response that leads to the formation of scar tissue. Unfortunately, this may cause a blockage, and fluid may get trapped inside.
Fallopian tube damage can be caused by:
● Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
● Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a disorder caused by untreated STIs.
● Abnormal tissue growth caused by endometriosis.
● Scar tissue formed after any surgery to the pelvic or abdominal regions, such as an appendectomy (appendicitis surgery).
● Some types of tumours or cancer.
● Previous surgery on the reproductive organs.
One of the most challenging aspects of hydrosalpinx is that it often remains unnoticed. Most women remain unaware that they have this issue until they seek medical advice after struggling to conceive.
However, in a few cases, the following symptoms may be present:
● Discoloured or sticky vaginal discharge
● Pain in the pelvic or abdominal region that worsens during menstruation
Consult a gynaecologist if you experience any of these symptoms and have been trying to get pregnant without success.
If hydrosalpinx goes undiagnosed or is left untreated, it could have a negative impact on the chances of successful conception and safe pregnancy. To clearly understand how hydrosalpinx affects fertility, let’s take a look at how its presence affects normal pregnancy and assisted pregnancy.
Conception via sexual intercourse is only possible if the sperm can fertilise the egg during the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle. Normally, the egg would travel from the ovaries to the fallopian tube unhindered and would subsequently travel to the uterus for implantation once it is fertilised by sperm from the semen ejaculated during sexual intercourse. However, this cannot happen when the fallopian tube is blocked by fluid. Either the sperm will not be able to enter the fallopian tube, or the fertilised egg may not be able to travel out of the fallopian tube to the uterus.
Sometimes, if just one of the fallopian tubes is blocked, conception might be possible if an egg from the other ovary can travel to the unblocked fallopian tube and get fertilised. However, the fluid from the blocked fallopian tube may leak into the uterus and create an inhospitable environment in the uterus.
When pregnant women are diagnosed with hydrosalpinx, it means they have fluid in fallopian tube and pregnancy complications are the usual outcome. In some cases, the egg may get fertilised, and the resulting embryo may inadvertently be implanted in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. This condition is called ectopic pregnancy, and it can be fatal if not diagnosed in time and terminated.
Research shows a strong link between hydrosalpinx and fertility challenges, especially in women undergoing IVF. In fact, this condition can have a negative impact on conception via IVF. IVF treatments involve fertilising the egg with a sperm in a laboratory. Afterwards, the fertilised egg is transferred into the uterus for implantation. However, the presence of hydrosalpinx can cause fluid from the fallopian tube to leak into the uterus, and the egg may not be able to implant itself into the lining of the uterus, thereby hampering the chances of successful conception via IVF.
To ensure a successful pregnancy through either method, it is vital to diagnose and treat hydrosalpinx as soon as possible.
Given below are the ways through which hydrosalpinx can be diagnosed:
Doctors may be able to detect the presence of fallopian tube blockage via ultrasound scans. Usually, fallopian tubes are too small to be seen on an ultrasound. However, if a tube is blocked and filled with fluid, it may appear enlarged and can often be detected during the scan.
As stated earlier, fallopian tubes are too small to be detected on an ultrasound scan. To ensure greater accuracy in diagnosis, the doctor may recommend obtaining an MRI or CT scan.
HSG is a special type of X-ray in which a dye is injected into the cervix to obtain a clearer picture of the reproductive system. The dye will flow through the fallopian tubes, and any blockages will become instantly visible.
Also called keyhole surgery, this is a minimally invasive procedure whereby a small incision is made in the abdomen through which a tiny camera is inserted. This will enable doctors to visualise the inside of the reproductive system and identify any blockages in the fallopian tubes.
The good news is that hydrosalpinx can be treated, and many women go on to have successful pregnancies afterwards. The treatment plan usually depends on how blocked or damaged the fallopian tubes are. In some cases, doctors may suggest a simple laparoscopic surgery to clear scar tissue and improve the chances of natural conception.
If the tube is severely affected, removing it through a procedure called salpingectomy can help improve fertility, especially before IVF. If endometriosis is the cause, removing the extra tissue can also make a difference. Infections like PID may be treated with antibiotics to prevent further damage.
A newer option, called sclerotherapy, uses a small needle to remove the fluid and prevent it from coming back. Each treatment is carefully selected based on individual needs, and with the proper care, many women experience significant improvements in their fertility journey. So, consult your doctor to find the most appropriate hydrosalpinx treatment for pregnancy problems to improve your chances of conception.
Being diagnosed with a condition like hydrosalpinx can be tough, especially for women who have been trying to get pregnant. However, this condition is treatable, and with the proper medical care, a successful and safe pregnancy is very much possible. Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and ongoing support can make all the difference. So, take heart – your path to parenthood is still open and within reach!
