What is a Hydrosalpinx? And should it be removed prior to Frozen Embryo Transfer?
A Hydrosalpinx is a commonly used term for a heterogenous spectrum of pathology of distal tube occlusion.
The fallopian tubes are attached to the uterus (womb) on the left and right sides. Normally, the fallopian tube picks up an egg as it is released (ovulated) from the ovary each month, and this is usually where sperm and egg meet. Sperm travel from the vagina through the uterus and will eventually meet the egg in one of the two tubes. Fertilization is when the egg and sperm join together to form an embryo (fertilized egg). The embryo travels through the tube into the uterus. When it reaches the uterus, it can start attaching to the wall of the uterus and develop into a baby.
This condition can be caused by:
– an old infection in the fallopian tubes (which could have been caused by a sexually transmitted infection)
– previous surgery (particularly surgeries on the tube)
– severe adhesions of your pelvis
– endometriosis
– sources of infection such as appendicitis
There are three main ways we can diagnose hydrosalpinx: a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an ultrasound, or with surgery (laparoscopy).
At my practice, I prefer to give you the very best chance of success and the literature supports removing a Hydrosalpinx prior to FET. The correlation between the presence of hydrosalpinx and poor IVF outcome is supported by the overwhelming consistency in retrospective studies. The downtime for a laparoscopy is minimal and is well supported in the reproductive literature.
A blocked tube does not serve you yet I fully understand there is an emotional dilemma by removing a tube. But, stay focused on your path to motherhood. I am here to guide you and to fully realize your success with the best path for you.
Dr C