Hydrosalpinx

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Published: Sept. 26, 2008
Updated: Sept. 26, 2008

Hydrosalpinx describes a fallopian tube that has become dilated and fluid filled.

These are usually caused by some type of pelvic infection including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and polymicrobial (multiple bacteria) infections.

The fallopian tube will usually have a damaged lining and the fimbria at the end of the tube are usually obliterated. Some investigators have demonstrated a decrease in pregnancy rates due to the reflux of this fluid into the uterine cavity.

This compounds the difficulty in achieving pregnancy that is already present from the dilated and obstructed tube.

Surgical correction or removal of the fallopian tubes are options, and in some cases in vitro fertilization may result in pregnancy.

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