Hydrosalpingus is a condition that is a specific type of blockage in the fallopian tubes caused by fluid retention, which can make it difficult to get pregnant. Damage to the fallopian tubes, most often from an untreated infection, can cause hydrosalpingus. Hydrosalpingus is a condition in which fluid builds up in one or both fallopian tubes, causing a blockage. Each month, as part of the menstrual cycle, the ovaries produce an egg that travels through the fallopian tubes. Healthy fallopian tubes provide an open passageway for egg and sperm to unite (fertilization). The fertilized egg or embryo travels down the same open passage to the uterus. From there, the embryo can implant in the uterine wall and develop into a fetus. In hydrosalpings, the accumulation of fluid blocks this passage. A blocked fallopian tube can prevent sperm from reaching the egg. If fertilization occurs, a blockage in the fallopian tube can prevent the embryo from reaching the uterus. Twenty to thirty percent of infertility cases involve problems related to the fallopian tubes. Hydrosalpingus is present in 10% to 20% of these cases. Untreated hydrosalpingus can make it difficult to get pregnant and can increase the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. In addition to making it more difficult to get pregnant through intercourse, hydrosalping can: Increase the risk of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. An embryo that cannot reach the uterus due to a blockage can implant in the fallopian tubes, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. These pregnancies are not viable and can be life-threatening for the woman if left untreated. It reduces the chances of getting pregnant through IVF. In the procedure, the egg is fertilized by a sperm outside the body. The doctor then transfers the embryo to the uterus, where it can develop. Hydrosalpingus can cause problems after the embryo implants in the uterine wall. Research shows that fluid from hydrosalpinges can flow back into the uterus, creating an unhealthy environment for the developing embryo. Hydrosalpingus rarely causes symptoms. Most women may not realize that their fallopian tubes are blocked until they have trouble getting pregnant. When symptoms are present, they include: Pelvic pain that may worsen during or immediately after menstruation; Vaginal discharge that is discolored and/or sticky. Untreated infection is the most common cause of hydrosalpinges. Pathogenic bacteria can damage the fallopian tubes, leading to their inflammation. This inflammation often occurs in the part of the fallopian tube near the ovaries or fimbriae. As part of the healing process, fimbriae can fuse together, “sealing” the fallopian tubes. Causes of hydrosalpinx include: Previous untreated sexually transmitted infections,such as chlamydia and gonorrhea; Pelvic inflammatory disease, often as a result of untreated sexually transmitted infections; Scar tissue left over from pelvic surgery, especially fallopian tube surgery; A buildup of tissue from endometriosis; Some tumors. References: 1. Cohen A, Almog B, Tulandi T. Hydrosalpinx sclerotherapy before in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29248666/) J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2. El-Mazny A, Ramadan W, Kamel A, Gad-Allah S. Effect of hydrosalpinx on uterine and ovarian hemodynamics in women with tubal factor infertility. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897399/) Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 3. Kawwass JF, Crawford S, Kissin DM, Session DR, Boulet S, Jamieson DJ. Tubal factor infertility and perinatal risk after assisted reproductive technology. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4292839/)