Contents:
- Medical Video: Different Types of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
- Get to know hydrosalphinx and its effects on fallopian tube function and female fertility
- Various things can cause hydrosalphinx
- How can hydrosalphinx be recognized?
- What can be done to maintain fertility?
Medical Video: Different Types of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes are two pipes that are the pathways of the egg's passage from the ovary to the uterus. The presence of blockages in these channels can interfere with the function of the fallopian tube. Blockage in the fallopian tube is a condition called hydrosalphinx. Even so that pregnancy can occur, the egg must be fertilized first by sperm in the fallopian tube before finally sticking to the uterus. That is why a disruption in fallopian tube function can cause women to be difficult to get pregnant.
Get to know hydrosalphinx and its effects on fallopian tube function and female fertility
Hydrosalpinx is a dysfunctional fallopian tube due to fluid blockage. This condition can be triggered by many things, ranging from infection, inflammation, to the side effects of surgical procedures around the reproductive organs.
The fluid blockage can prevent the egg cell from meeting sperm so that fertilization cannot occur, or blocking the zygote (the result of fertilization) to go down to the uterus so that pregnancy cannot occur.
Of the two pairs of fallopian tube pipes, usually only one side releases the egg cell. So actually if the blockage is only in one pipe, pregnancy is still possible to occur from a pipe that does not experience blockage. However, that does not mean the pregnancy is without risk and complications.
Hydrosalphinx can still cause pregnancy disorders, because the clogging fluid can seep into the uterus and make it difficult to attach the zygote to the implantation process.
Various things can cause hydrosalphinx
Blockages in the fallopian tube can arise due to various things. Most of the cases of hydrosalphinx are caused by:
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Tissue growth due to endometriosis which triggers irritation in the fallopian tubes
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Impact of ruptured appendicitis
- Side effects of surgery on the abdominal area.
The cause of hydrosalphinx is not only rooted in the problem of the reproductive organs. Infection or inflammation that occurs in other organs adjacent to the reproductive organs or around the pelvic area can also interfere with the function of the fallopian tubes to help the pregnancy process. Why?
Inflammatory trigger cells that are part of the body's defenses can spread to the fallopian tubes. The inflammatory healing process can damage the fimbrian tissue which helps the egg travel along the fallopian tube and causes closure of the duct.
How can hydrosalphinx be recognized?
In general, hydrosalphinx does not show clear symptoms. Many women do not realize that they have blockages in the fallopian tube. Hydrosalphinx is only detected when they go to the doctor because they continue to fail trying to get pregnant, or because of fertility problems.
If caused by infection or inflammation, hydrosalphinx can be characterized by pain around the abdomen and pelvic area and discharge from the vagina.
To formalize the diagnosis, it is likely that the doctor will perform several examinations such as:
- Sonohysterosalpingography - uses fluids that flow from the cervix into the uterus.
- Ultrasound - to check for abnormalities in the reproductive organs, but the level of detection is not very good.
- Hysterosalpingogram - examination of blockages in the fallopian tube area using X-rays.
- Laparoscopy - a test that is quite effective for detecting other fertility disorders that is done by making small and shallow wounds around the abdomen to insert the camera so that the doctor can look into the reproductive organs and remove the fluid if found.
What can be done to maintain fertility?
Because hydrosalphinx can be caused by many things, there are several ways to overcome fertility problems that might be caused.
Discuss with your doctor which method is most suitable for the problem experienced.
- Surgery to remove the fallopian tubewhich has been damaged by blockage. This is sometimes not the best method because it can interfere with blood flow and reduce the success of the chance of pregnancy through IVF.
- Sclerotherapy. The method of treatment is to inject an irritating liquid into the fallopian tube so that it swells and pushes the fluid out. Although it is effective, there is a chance that the liquid buildup will return.
- Repair of clogged ducts. Performed by surgery around the reproductive organs to expel fluid from the fallopian tubes. Although effective and carried out without removing the fallopian tubes, there is an opportunity for fluid blockages to occur again.
IVF program can be done after undergoing one of the methods above to try to get pregnant. The chance for successful pregnancy from this method is around 40 percent
