Removing blocked tubes before IVF (Hydrosalpinx)

[asualum08]

Just wanted to see if anyone has experiences with removing blocked tubes due to Hydrosalpinx? I found out yesterday from HSG I have 2 blocked tubes due to scar tissue from surgery I had years ago for burst appendix. My ovaries go up like hands on a roller coaster, instead of out like a flight attendant showing the emergency exits. He said we need to remove my tubes because there is liquid pooling that is toxic to embryos and greatly reduces IVF success rates? I've been googling and trying to become more familiar, but I don't know much about it as up until yesterday we thought we were proceeding with another IUI (because my last terrible doctor did without doing HSG saying it was the same as SIS if you can believe that). Just curious if anyone here has any experience or advice on this. 

[woodenshoes]

Hi. I just had both of my tubes removed at the end of January. I had them removed because ++++TW++++ I have had two ectopics pregnancies ++++TW+++ so one tube was blocked and my OB was concerned I was at a high risk for another ectopic based on what she saw in the other tube. Anyways, one of the REs at my clinic said removing the tubes can help with IVF. It obviously lowers the chances of an ectopic. After finding out I had a blocked tube my RE re-looked at the film to make sure there was no hydro. My doctor said the fluid is bad and decreases the chances of a successful pregnancy, so basically what your doctor said.

I don't know if this is helpful, but my understanding is that if you are doing IVF not having tubes can be a good thing. It was a struggle for me accepting losing my tubes because we are TTC and now the only route we can go is IVF.

[lemonliz]

I also had a hydrosalpinx and had it removed. I was told that our odds of success upon transfer would be a lot greater.

[gratefulandthankful]

Sorry you find yourself having to make this tough decision. I lost a tube due to an ectopic that ruptured. While they were in there, they noticed my remaining tube looked like a hydro. FF to when I really started TTC, my RE confirmed the hydro & recommended removing it before IVF. I really had to mourn the loss of never being able to TTC naturally. I had a lot of feelings about it: sad, less than a woman, etc. I just kind of went through stages of grief, but ultimately I chose to remove it. From everything I researched, I found that removing the tube would be best for the embryos. GL with whatever you choose.

PS- the surgery was very simple for me. My recovery was a breeze.

[ProfessorChaos]

**Warnings, IF grad discussion here. Hope this is okay.**

I went under for a laparoscopy this spring expecting to have one or both tubes removed. Although that didn't happen in the end, I spent a long time in preparation talking to people I know who had the procedure done. I think it's worth mentioning that a few of them talked about how they eventually found it freeing. These were obviously all IF grads, but they still said it was nice to never again have to worry about an accidental pregnancy, or birth control, or wonder why their period was late, or to have to go buy pregnancy tests late at night. Of course it sucked that they had to do IVF to get pregnant, and losing their tubes was a major emotional adjustment, but they also knew that the chances of having a family at all were greatly reduced with the inflamed tubes, and they saw benefits down the road.

I'm sorry you're in this position to begin with. I hope your recovery is easy.

[asualum08]

I appreciate everyone who commented and especially anyone who said an emotional adjustment. I couldn't put my finger on it all weekend and then it hit me, my tubes are part of me as a woman ad my god given ability to have children, and taking my tubes kind of makes me feel less of a woman, even though it could be what ends up giving me a baby. which is silly. It's just so dang perm, makes it scary. Has anyone here had hydrosalpinx and had tubes removed, end up successfully conceiving with IVF?

[gratefulandthankful]

May 14, 2017 20:14:15 GMT -5 asualum08 said:

I appreciate everyone who commented and especially anyone who said an emotional adjustment. I couldn't put my finger on it all weekend and then it hit me, my tubes are part of me as a woman ad my god given ability to have children, and taking my tubes kind of makes me feel less of a woman, even though it could be what ends up giving me a baby. which is silly. It's just so dang perm, makes it scary. Has anyone here had hydrosalpinx and had tubes removed, end up successfully conceiving with IVF?

I have. That's as far as I will discuss here (out of respect/consideration), but you can pm if you want to chat or ask anything else related. You can also try posting about this on PAIF or SAIF too. Best of luck to you!

[asualum08]

One concern I have is if removing tubes will cut off blow flow for the ovaries or in anyway hurt my eggs since we haven't done the harvest

[ProfessorChaos]

May 18, 2017 20:47:56 GMT -5 asualum08 said:

One concern I have is if removing tubes will cut off blow flow for the ovaries or in anyway hurt my eggs since we haven't done the harvest

It does not affect the ovaries or blood flow. That area is weirder than you might expect. Example: if you remove one tube, and ovulate on that side, you can still get pregnant because the egg can make its way into the uterus through the other tube. The ovaries and tubes aren't really connected, they're just proximate.

[asualum08]

I went ahead with the surgery this last Thursday, of course once they got in there they realized I had too much scar tissue from my burst appendix to remove the tubes fully, so they did a tubal litigation instead, I believe with catheterized ends. This should remove most of the risks of the toxic fluid/blockage/ectopics with hyrosalphinx so we can move forward with IVF. They had concerns about what they thought was scar tissue in my uterus, but as it turns out my uterus is perfectly fine (finally I catch a break). I have follow up next week to discuss next steps, see all the gross pictures of my poor scar wrapped organs, but he thinks it went well. I've just been taking it easy most of the major pain is decreasing, but have some swelling and spotting.. Just weird to think I've just sterilized myself, as a step towards getting pregnant.

[gratefulandthankful]

Jun 4, 2017 21:31:38 GMT -5 asualum08 said:

I went ahead with the surgery this last Thursday, of course once they got in there they realized I had too much scar tissue from my burst appendix to remove the tubes fully, so they did a tubal litigation instead, I believe with catheterized ends. This should remove most of the risks of the toxic fluid/blockage/ectopics with hyrosalphinx so we can move forward with IVF. They had concerns about what they thought was scar tissue in my uterus, but as it turns out my uterus is perfectly fine (finally I catch a break). I have follow up next week to discuss next steps, see all the gross pictures of my poor scar wrapped organs, but he thinks it went well. I've just been taking it easy most of the major pain is decreasing, but have some swelling and spotting.. Just weird to think I've just sterilized myself, as a step towards getting pregnant.

You definitely took a big step. It's not easy, but I'm glad you are gettong through it ok. Great news about your uterus being nice and clear. GL, can't wait to read up on you in the check-ins!

[monika]

Hey, there I hope you're doing well. As you have mentioned that you have a swollen scar. I did recently read a success story about a woman who had a similar issue. Her doctors told her to opt for IVF. The thing with IUI is that it has only 20% chances of success. Whereas IVF has about 60% chances of success. Therefore, this means that your chances are great. Also, the women said that since she had a scar she made sure the doctor she chooses was professional and experienced. During your IVF process, certain doctors cause scars on your ovaries this is not good. So make sure the doctor you choose has a high success rate. There is nothing to worry about things will work out. Just have faith in yourself. Don't let negative thoughts strike your way. Sending baby dust your way. Do keep us posted.

[debra]

It is a really sad situation. You have to face some multiple challenges. It is too difficult to imagine being in such a complicated scenario. Such situations are enough to torment you physically and mentally. Blocked tubes mean that your reproductive organs are not working the way they should work. Blocked tubes means difficult access of eggs. Although all this happened as the result of the hydrosalpinx but it is there now. The most important thing is to accept the reality. If you visit the doctor specifically the fertility experts they can give the best suggestion. There is no need to worry. There is also no need to prolong the problem. The more you drag the matter the more complicated it will become for you. It is very important to take a timely decision. Too much of delays can fyrther worsen the problems. I hope that life brings some great moments. I hope that there is some solution lying for you too.