Hydrosalpinx
InfertilityHydrosalpinx And Infertility
Hydrosalpinx is a type of tube blockage. This situation, which can be defined as the complete obstruction of the end of the tube on the ovarian side in general, can prevent pregnancy. Hydrosalpinx, which can reduce the live birth rate up to 40% in IVF treatment and increase ectopic pregnancy along with the risk of miscarriage in pregnant patients, should be dealt with before IVF treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Hydrosalpinx and How is it Diagnosed?
Hydrosalpinx often causes no symptoms. Among the symptoms it gives, the most common ones are burning and pain in the abdomen and groin area. Ultrasound or hysterosalpingography (uterus film) is used to diagnose this ailment. For definitive diagnosis, uterine tube film and subsequent laparoscopy are preferred.
In laparoscopy, a thin camera is inserted into the abdomen through a 1 cm incision made under the navel, and imaging is performed and the ends of the tubes are tried to be opened. While this is sufficient in some cases, it may be insufficient if the damage caused by the liquid accumulated in the tubes is excessive.
What Causes Hydrosalpinx and How Is It Treated?
Common causes of hydrosalpinx are some infections such as tuberculosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and endometriosis (chocolate cyst). In these cases, it is most appropriate to disconnect the uterus or remove the tubes before starting IVF. This increases the probability of getting pregnant. However, the infection causing hydrosalpix may have made adhesions both at the ends of the tubes and inside the tubes.
If it is thought that the tubes can be opened after the treatment, an average of 6 months of natural pregnancy is expected. If pregnancy does not occur within this period, IVF will be the most appropriate treatment approach.