In this article:
Understanding what hydrosalpinx is, how it affects your reproductive system, and what you can do about it will make your conception journey easy.
What is Hydrosalpinx?
Hydrosalpinx is a condition where one or both of your fallopian tubes are filled with fluid because of a past infection, surgery, or inflammation. The word hydrosalpinx comes from hydro, meaning water, and salpinx, meaning fallopian tube. This fluid can block the normal movement of the egg and sperm.When the condition is described as mild, it typically means that the tube is only slightly swollen or partially blocked. This differs from severe hydrosalpinx, where the tubes are significantly enlarged and completely blocked.
How Do Fallopian Tubes Work in Conception?
To understand the effect of mild hydrosalpinx on natural conception, you first need to know the role of your fallopian tubes.Your ovaries release an egg every month that goes to the fallopian tubes for fertilisation with sperm. The embryo travels down the tube to the uterus for implantation after fertilisation.
If your tubes are blocked or damaged, this process may not happen as it should. In the case of hydrosalpinx, the fluid prevents fertilisation or implantation of the fertilised egg by blocking the tube.
What Causes Hydrosalpinx?
There are several reasons for the development of hydrosalpinx. Some of the most common causes include:- Past pelvic infections, especially sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhoea
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Past abdominal or pelvic surgeries
- Tubal ligation reversal
- Past ectopic pregnancies
Can You Get Pregnant Naturally with Mild Hydrosalpinx?
Every woman’s condition is different, but in general, mild hydrosalpinx may lower your chances of natural conception. This depends on whether hydrosalpinx affects one or both tubes, the severity of the blockage, or the leakage of fluid into the uterus.If only one fallopian tube is mildly affected and the other is healthy, you may still be able to conceive naturally. However, your fertility reduces when both tubes are affected, or the hydrosalpinx is active and leaking fluid.
That leaking fluid may create an unfavourable environment for the embryo. It may flush the embryo out of the uterus or make it harder for the embryo to implant properly. This is why even mild cases can affect your chances more than you expect.
What Are the Symptoms of Mild Hydrosalpinx?
You may not be aware you have mild hydrosalpinx because there are no obvious symptoms. Many women find out they have it only during fertility testing. However, in some cases, you may experience:- Mild pelvic pain or discomfort
- Lower abdominal pressure
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during your period or sex
How is Mild Hydrosalpinx Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects a problem with your fallopian tubes when you are trying to conceive, they may recommend the following tests:- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An X-ray test where dye is injected into your uterus to check if your fallopian tubes are open.
- Ultrasound (especially saline infusion sonography): This can show swelling in the tubes.
- Laparoscopy: A minor surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted into your abdomen to see your reproductive organs directly.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Your doctor will choose the best course of treatment for hydrosalpinx based on your situation. Here are the common treatment options in case of mild hydrosalpinx:- Surgical removal or clipping of the tube: If one tube is affected and is leaking fluid, your doctor may recommend removing it or sealing it off from the uterus. This helps improve the chances of pregnancy, especially if you are planning to go through IVF.
- Salpingostomy: This involves creating a new opening in the tube to drain the fluid and improve its function. It is not required in mild cases and may not always be successful.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): If natural conception is unlikely or other treatments have not worked, IVF can help. However, it is important to treat any underlying conditions, such as hydrosalpinx, to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
- Antibiotics (in specific cases): If an infection is still present, antibiotics may be used, but this does not reverse the damage already caused.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
You should consider seeing a fertility specialist in the following conditions.- You have been trying to conceive for more than 6 to 12 months without success
- You have been diagnosed with hydrosalpinx
- You are over the age of 35
- You have experienced pelvic infections or surgery in the past
- You are planning to go for IVF
Take the time to speak with your doctor, understand your test results, and discuss what steps are right for you. The more you know about your condition, the more confident you feel moving forward.
FAQs on the Impact of Mild Hydrosalpinx on Natural Conception
- Can I conceive naturally if only one tube has mild hydrosalpinx?
Generally, having one open and healthy tube is sufficient for conceiving naturally. However, your doctor may still monitor your condition to ensure the hydrosalpinx is not affecting the uterus. - Is surgery always needed for mild hydrosalpinx?
No, surgery is only recommended if the hydrosalpinx is leaking fluid or if it affects IVF success. In mild cases with no fluid leakage, your doctor may opt to monitor the condition instead of operating immediately.