Is my pelvic pain after childbirth due to hydrosalpinx?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Have been experiencing pain during sex and random pelvic pain throughout the month since I gave birth to my son a year ago. I have visited my OBGYN three times, and during my latest visit, an ultrasound showed a hydrosalpinx on the right side measuring around 1.3 x 0.35 x 0.9 inches (tubular anechoic).
The doctor told me that there is no treatment for it and that it should go away on its own, so they are not planning to do anything. However, my periods have become very painful, and I have been passing blood clots for the last four cycles. The pain during intercourse has worsened, and I continue to have pelvic pain even when I am not on my period.
I am very concerned and would like to know if it is normal to leave a hydrosalpinx untreated, or if I should seek a second opinion. Could this be the reason behind my painful periods and persistent pelvic pain? Please advise me on what I should do next. Please help.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
You are not overreacting; your concerns are valid and deserve investigation. A hydrosalpinx (a fallopian tube filled with fluid) usually does not clear up on its own. It can cause ongoing pelvic pain, pain during sex, and make getting pregnant harder.
Although your tube is small, the fact that you still have persistent pain and very heavy, clot-filled periods suggests there might be another problem too, for example, endometriosis (when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus (on ovaries, tubes, etc.), causing pain, heavy periods, and sometimes fertility problems), pelvic inflammation (PID, infection or inflammation of the female reproductive organs; can be caused by bacteria and sometimes follows untreated STIs), or adhesions (internal scar tissue).
Your current doctor is partly right that some small hydrosalpinges can be watched carefully, but it is not true that there are no treatment options.
Possible treatments include:
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Antibiotics, if there is a suspected infection.
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Surgical drainage or removal of the affected tube (salpingectomy) if symptoms continue or fertility is affected.
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Further evaluation, which needs laparoscopy, specialist ultrasound, or referral to a reproductive specialist to look for endometriosis or other causes.
What to do next:
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Get a second opinion, ideally from another OBGYN or a fertility or reproductive specialist.
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Ask about tests that can check for endometriosis or pelvic infection.
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Seek care sooner if pain gets much worse, you develop fever, vomiting, or heavy bleeding that will not stop.
I hope this helps.
Kindly revert so I can assist you further.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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