No, sadly it is not a baby. Instead it is a hydrosalpinx 😩
I am always amazed by the incredible support and collective experience on this forum. So firstly, thank you.
So apparently I have a hydrosalpinx, which was discovered through a brutal HSG last week. My doctor recommends that he removes the hydrosalpinx and entire Fallopian tube so it doesn't grow back. This would only leave me with one functioning Fallopian tube. He also recommends that I do IVF egg collection first, then remove the hydrosalpinx and then do a frozen transfer after my body has healed (about two months after the removal).
Does this sound right to you? Has anyone had a similar experience?
I am living abroad and going to an international hospital. Whilst I am confident in their ability, I am in a new country and just want to sense-check what the doctor is saying. I wondered if a hydrosalpinx appears and disappears naturally, or is this wishful thinking? I could have had it for years and never known about it. I have also heard that a hydrosalpinx can be drained during egg collection instead of removing it during a laparoscopy? Has anyone heard of this? That would save me two operations.
Hi Anna, firstly sorry to hear about your diagnosis but on another note be thankful that you have potentially found one of the major causes of not conceiving.
I would like to share my story with you as I also had a hydrosalpinx. I was diagnosed with this 4 years ago and it was the most depressing overwhelming thing I’ve ever experienced. I was told to have both my tubes removed and proceed to ivf.. I declined this right at the point I’m hospital about to do the operation and my spirit just couldn’t bear it. The consultant then agreed they would have a look at the tubes and drain them... I agreed. After the op they told me both tubes has been drained but be aware the fluid may come back. So me and my partner continued to try naturally and it just wasn’t happening whilst waiting for ivf. Fast forward I started the ivf process say a year later, had my eggs collected and yay managed to produce 8 good quality embryos. However, upon a scan it was revealed I had one hydrosalpinx, I was so disappointed but happy that it wasn’t in both of my tubes ( imagine if I had listened to the doctor and had both removed) my consultant was Italian man lol and said bluntly ‘ why you didn’t you have this tube removed’ I explained and he said ‘ you want a baby or not’ I thought how rude of you but then realised he wanted the best for his patient! I had a cycle of ivf and it failed and this was down to the hydrosalpinx. I had my embryos frozen and then had an operation to have that horrible tube removed! I felt relieved that once I do my second cycles medically there is a better chance of success. So I waited 2 months after having my tube removed and did my cycle and praise the lord it was a success and I am now 31 weeks pregnant with a lil boy.
My advice to you is that it is not the end of the world and please listen to your doctors advice. The fluid in your tube is toxic and will wash away any embryo. It’s a long road but there is an end to that road and light. Try to be positive, follow your consultants advice and you will be one step closer to your baby.
I am so sorry you had to go through the same issue but I am so grateful to read it. It is so reassuring and comforting. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I guess I just need to grit my teeth and go for the removal....thanks again for taking the time to send such a detailed post. This forum is a lifesaver.
Hi Anna. That is one definite hydrosalpinx! You will probably have had it explained that when this occurs, the natural lubrication in your Fallopian tubes, builds up causing any excess to leak into the womb. It is widely believed that this can prevent a developing embryo from implanting, so it/they are usually either clipped or removed.. I think it is a good idea to create your embryos now, before surgery, then your body will be fully recovered before doing a FET. I realise that it will leave you with just the one tube, but the other one is no use I'm afraid. Trust your specialist as he/she wants it to work too. Thinking of you. Diane
Thanks so much Diane. It came as a shock because my partner has fertility issues, and I thought I was fine. I have no idea what caused this. I have had STI tests throughout my life and they have all been negative 😢
I have heard of Essure, but I guess just removing the tube is best. Have you heard of the other remaining tube developing the same issue? As in, would it be contagious?! Could it spread? I am petrified of losing both tubes, even though I don’t know why....
Thanks again x
in reply to
Oh and one more thing! I have had tons of ultrasound scans and no doctor picked up on the hydrosalpinx. It was only discovered during the HSG (which I insisted on doing as a routine check). It looks huge on the x-ray, is there a reason they couldn’t see it?
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK in reply to
Hi Anna. Often we don’t know what causes this, and because you have one, the other one won’t catch it! Can’t be seen on normal scan, hence an HSG or HyCoSy examination. Just down to consultant preference doing IVF first. Diane
I am so sorry about these news, I went trough a similar situation. Just wanted to say I share your pain! It's like there's always some new difficulty in our way.
In my case, my tube was blocked just before the hydrosalpinx so I didn't have it removed before my IVF transfer - the doctor said it was really a judgement call just because it was 100% blocked (we couldn't see it in the HSG, only discovered it in a scan later on).
If that wasn't the case as it is your situation their advise was clear: remove hydrosalpinx after collection and before transfer as it increases the chances of MC due to the leaking liquid going to your womb. They showed statistical evidence how frozen cycles have almost the same (or higher sometimes) outcome as the fresh ones so it's fine to wait.
I know this diagnosis and next step planning is awful, it caused me a lot of anxiety but at the same time now you know the hydrosalpinx is there and your doctor will advise on the best way forwards and you'll have a plan very soon. You are one step closer!! Good luck!! XXX
I guess there could always be complications in the surgery or a risk that adhesions or new scar tissue from the surgery can be formed. Also the younger your eggs the better, the hydrosalpinx wont affect the ovulation induction and egg collection piece. Good luck XX
Hi, I had this also so annoying having to wait for the NHS for a salpingectomy but I cured myself naturally so now I am writing a book about how to do this. I had right-sided hydrosalpinx and left functional cyst and when I had another scan, I had nothing there.
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