Infertility treatment for hydrosalpinx, or blocked tubes, can improve the odds of pregnancy

When you have tried to conceive and only have multiple negative pregnancy tests to show for your efforts, you can start to feel discouraged. Our Nashville fertility clinic doctors understand that dealing with infertility can cause frustration and disappointment. We employ leading-edge infertility treatment to address common reasons for female infertility, such as hydrosalpinx, or blocked fallopian tubes.

What is hydrosalpinx?

Fallopian tubes are a critical part of conception, as they are the channel through which sperm travel to meet the egg, and are also the pathway for a fertilized egg to travel before it implants in the uterus. If the tubes are blocked, the chances for a pregnancy are greatly limited.

Hydrosalpinx is caused by fluid buildup and dilation of the tube. The fallopian tubes become closed off, usually at the end closest to the ovaries. The condition can also damage the fimbriae, tiny finger-like structures inside the tube that guide a fertilized egg to the uterus. When hydrosalpinx develops, eggs and sperm can’t travel through the tubes, which disrupts the natural fertilization and implantation processes. This is why damage to the tubes and/or excessive fluid buildup often leads to infertility.

Why do women develop this condition?

Several different factors can cause hydrosalpinx.

• Sexually transmitted infections
• Endometriosis
• Tubal infection
• Pelvic scarring
• Previous surgery on the fallopian tubes

Although tubal blockage can cause some pelvic pain, many women have no symptoms at all. Typically, our Nashville fertility clinic doctors identify this condition as part of a standard fertility evaluation. Additionally, hydrosalpinx in one tube often means there will be issues with the other tube, too.

Explore infertility treatment

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will use ultrasound, an X-ray exam called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), or laparoscopic surgery to visualize the tubes. Depending on the severity of the blockage, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment or IVF, which bypasses the fallopian tubes by combining eggs and sperm in a laboratory to create embryos.

Our Nashville fertility clinic doctors offer the clinical skills, medical expertise and compassionate care that our patients need. We would love to assist you in bringing your dreams of parenthood to fruition through advanced infertility diagnosis and treatment. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.