Few people are aware of this condition that affects the fallopian tubes. It is relatively silent, but when the diagnosis comes, so do many questions. After all, sometimes the dream of becoming a mother may depend on an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment by good professionals. Getting the correct diagnosis is essential since this is a less frequent disease.
What is Hydrosalpinx?
Hydrosalpinx1 is nothing more than a buildup of fluid in one or both tubes. This fluid usually accumulates due to an infection in the area, by bacteria, sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or syphilis, or other causes of inflammation.
One of the main problems caused by hydrosalpinx is preventing pregnancy. The tube becomes dilated, inflamed, and blocked. This entire inflammatory process makes the tube a hostile environment for the meeting of sperm and egg. Fertilization happens in the tube.
Hydrosalpinx can also block the tube. This means that neither the egg nor the sperm can reach the proper place for fertilization. But not all cases of blocked tubes are due to hydrosalpinx. In many cases, a blocked tube can be resolved with a minor procedure, but that’s a topic for another post.
The fluid present in the tube due to hydrosalpinx can also interfere at the moment of embryo implantation, if fertilization has occurred in the healthy tube. Some studies have shown that this fluid can go to the uterus, or to the pouch of Douglas, turning these areas hostile for implantation
If implantation does occur, this hostile environment may end up causing a miscarriage. The more dilated and inflamed the tube is, the more fluid it can release and the more serious the case may be.
In cases of hydrosalpinx full of fluid, a procedure to correct the problem can stop the fluid from spreading. This way, the chances of getting pregnant become greater and the need for procedures like IVF is reduced. It all depends on how severe the issue is.
Symptoms of Hydrosalpinx
The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, swelling, and vaginal discharge that looks and appears different from healthy cervical mucus2. But hydrosalpinx can also be asymptomatic. Because of this, many women only discover the problem when they try to get pregnant and can’t. When they do tests to find the cause, the surprise shows up in the tubes.
Diagnosis and How to Treat Hydrosalpinx
Diagnosis is made through imaging exams, such as hysterosalpingography or a uterine tomography. In more complicated cases, an option is diagnostic video laparoscopy. Normally, the treatment for this type of problem is some form of unblocking the tubes. If these procedures are not successful, the option is partial or complete removal of the affected tube3.
If both tubes are affected, the decision to remove them completely or partially depends on the extent of the problem. Evaluation by a good specialist is fundamental for a good recovery and complete elimination of the problem.
A well-done procedure for those who have the problem in only one tube can lead to a future natural pregnancy. If both tubes are removed, pregnancy will only be possible through in vitro fertilization.
Success in Treatment
Before becoming desperate, someone diagnosed with hydrosalpinx should talk to their doctor and more thoroughly analyze the health of the tubes. Many times, if there is a need to remove the tubes completely, this also means that the problem will be eliminated.
If the problem is in only one tube, there is still a chance for natural conception if the affected tube is removed. If the issue is in both tubes, the only option is IVF. However, treatment is still necessary so that hydrosalpinx doesn’t make the uterus a hostile place for the embryo.
Remember that investigating is very important and if one year has passed without getting pregnant, the couple should see a doctor for testing.
Interview with a reader with hydrosalpinx
Reader Mariana (pseudonym) recently received a diagnosis of hydrosalpinx. According to her, the doctor gave her a 50% chance of becoming pregnant, since she has one perfect and healthy tube. See her story below:
Famivita: How did you discover the hydrosalpinx? Mariana: I found out with a transvaginal ultrasound, where they found a water sac that the doctor who performed the exam couldn’t explain. After this result, I had a hysterosalpingography, which by the way is very painful. It was with this test that I could know exactly what it was.
Famivita: What did the doctor recommend? Mariana: He said that I could still have children, but the chance would be reduced to 50%. He told me to take a menstrual regulator, because my cycle is also not regular… Those of 28 days, 30 days, etc… Plus I took birth control for many years (about 10 years in a row, without stopping). Now, after 5 months taking the regulator, I’ve decided I’m not going to take anything, absolutely nothing. This is my first cycle without anything.
Famivita: How did it affect you mentally after the news? Mariana: I went into crisis. I thought I couldn’t have children and I’m still upset. I know it’s not the end of the world, that even with this difficulty, there is still a chance. But at the end of every cycle I get very upset and lose hope of getting pregnant naturally… I don’t want to resort to in vitro fertilization… Especially because I can’t afford such a procedure right now!
Look ladies, the best thing is really to look for a trusted doctor. Correct and quick guidance is everything in these more complicated cases.
See also: Male infertility and sperm analysis – what are the main problems.
