Hi ladies,
I'm hoping a few of you might be able to shed some light on this for me.

I have been diagnosed with mild hydrosalpinx following an ultrasound after my 2nd MC. My GP didn't say too much about it but didn't seem overly concerned. But true to form I have consulted 'Dr Google' and read some worrying definitions and reports . I have been referred to a FS but there is a long wait to see him.

My question is - Is a mild form of this always problematic? Does your tube always need to be removed to ensure successful conception? What can they or will they do?

TIA.

From Sassy.

*pregnancy mentioned*



Hi there. After two years of TTC I ended up on the AC journey and as a result had a lap where it was discovered that I had a completely blocked right tube and a severe hydro on the left. We started with IVF and I was a very poor responder and one thing my FS kept coming back to was that the hydro might actually be contributing to the problems. He did explain why but I really can't remember now. I was very upset and emotional at the time and wasn't taking a lot in
After two cancelled cycles I did get pregnant on my third cycle and there was a lot of concern because hydros can emit a toxic fluid. I was lucky and nothing went wrong
I was also very lucky to get a spontaneous pregnancy when my first was 14 months old and there was a lot of worry about whether or not there was an ectopic pregnancy involved due to the state of my tubes. Luckily everything was okay


Good luck with it all and try to stay away from Dr Google

THanks Lyra,

I suppose I was looking for some indication that even with the condition natural conception could still take place. I think I'm on my way to getting my head around following an AC path if that's what it will take, but at the same time I am impatient to get the ball rolling with any tests etc I may need. I am seeing my FS in May. Should I ask my GP to do any more preliminary tests before we see FS? ie another ultrasound?


Sass.

Hi Sassy

As I understand it, there is fluid in hydrosalpinx that is released at implantation time because the tube opening relaxes (normally to let the naturally fertilised embryo through to the uterus.) I am not sure that this liquid is toxic as such - but it can wash the embryo down to the cervix and prevent implantation.

Many drs will want to resolve a hydrosalpinx before proceeding with IVF (or natural conception I guess). You can have clips put on the end of the tube to stop the fluid washing out (which would make natural conception a no-go obviously!). Unfortunately - this requires laparoscopy. I have read that when they are drained (aspirated with a needle) hydrosalpinx often re-fill.

I have two blocked tubes and my drs have always looked closely for hydrosalpinx.My current dr said she wouldn't worry about a hydrosalpinx unless she could see it on ultrasound - but then she would address it.

My understanding is that hydrosalpinx tend to prevent implantation though - rather than cause miscarriage. But I could be wrong there. I too asked some questions about this after my recent (second) m/c.

Good luck with finding some answers. If I were you I wouldn't accept a dr saying not to worry about a mild hydrosalpinx.The evidence would seem to suggest otherwise. Prof Robert Jansen's book 'Getting Pregnant' has some good sections on hydrosalpinx. Maybe see if your library has it?

Can you shop around for another FS? You don't have to take the one your GP refers you to. (You could ask your GP to refer you to another one of your choice.) You can call up other FS and see how long their waiting lists are. Maybe seek (PM'ed not posted) reccommendations of FS in your area from other EB'ers?

Best of luck with it. I know the sinking feeling of discovering yet another possible obstacle on the fertility road. I too know the sadness of two miscarriages - and I wish you all the best and hope you find a dr you trust.

I agree with Lyra - be careful with that ol' Dr Google.

Sassya