Hydrosalpinx

"A hydrosalpinx is a blocked, dilated, fluid-filled fallopian tube, usually caused by a previous tubal infection. The pelvic infections that lead to hydrosalpinx formation are usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases.

"Many patients with hydrosalpinx suffer from chronic or recurrent pelvic pain, while others have no symptoms. Patients are more susceptible to repeated acute tubal infections, which cause fever and pain.

"If the tubes are completely blocked, conception will not occur without medical intervention. In milder cases, fertility may be restored by opening the tubes surgically. However, if the lining of the tubes is badly damaged, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the treatment of choice. The presence of a hydrosalpinx appears to reduce the success rates of IVF treatment. Fluid within the hydrosalpinx appears to reduce the embryo implantation rates and increase the risk of miscarriage."

(Excerpts from: Fact Sheet, "Hydrosalpinx," American Society of Reproductive Medicine, 2001)