Hydrosalpinx (Fluid filled fallopian tube): Fallopian tubes which are blocked near their ends (Ampulla-fimbria region) or that portion of the fallopian tube which picks up the egg can fuse closed (become clubbed). This blocked tube or tubes then can swell and become inflamed. This inflammation and stagnant fluid becomes infected and spills toxic fluid down the uterus, significantly reducing your chances of conception as much as 55% even with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles.
Treatment to improve this include:
1.Having the fallopian tube/tubes opened up surgically (fimbrioplasty): this leaves a significant risk of closing off again and/or increasing the risk of future ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy occurring outside of the uterus).
2.Having the fallopian tube completely removed and closing off the holes to the fallopian tube once removed. This virtually eliminates the risk of a future ectopic pregnancy and of future tubal infections, but often then requires the use of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF) cycles to conceive.
3.Flushing the fallopian tubes and taking antibiotics close to the time of IVF cycles.
Hydrosalpinx can occur from previous pelvic or vaginal infections such as silent chlamydia, gonorrhea, streptococcal, bactoroides, tuberculosis, or other reproductive tract infections. Even endometriosis can block fallopian tubes at various sites. Submitted by Dr L. G. Andrew