What is hydrosalpinx?
The condition hydrosalpinx occurs when fluid collects in one or both fallopian tubes, causing a blockage. The fallopian tubes connect your uterus to your ovaries. Your ovaries create an egg that travels through your fallopian tubes each month as part of your menstrual cycle.
A healthy fallopian tube provides an unobstructed passageway for an egg and sperm to combine (fertilize). The fertilized egg, or embryo, goes to your uterus through the same open channel. An embryo can then implant in your uterine wall and develop into a fetus.
Fluid buildup in a hydrosalpinx obstructs this channel. Sperm may not reach your egg if your fallopian tube is blocked. If fertilization occurs, the embryo may be prevented from reaching your uterus due to a blockage in your fallopian tube.
How common is hydrosalpinx?
Twenty to thirty percent of infertility cases involve issues with the fallopian tubes (tubal factor infertility). In 10% to 20% of these cases, hydrosalpinx is present.