Acupuncture for a hydrosalpinx

[OakTreeMom]

Hello there-

I have been around awhile sort of lurking.  I started in the I'm pregnant, August due date club and now have found myself in this catagory.  No one really expects this route, do we?  My preg. was diagnosed as an ectopic and while waiting for that to clear up I was diagnosed with a hydrosalpinx (fluid in my right tube)  We are not sure if it is a result of the ectopic or if the hydrosalpinx is what caused the ectopic.  My OB is awesome and  she was awesome through the whole experience.  I went back on Monday for a follow up and the ectopic is gone, but,  that is when I got the hydrosalpinx dx.  She laid out my options and it was everything from waiting it out for a bit, surgery, and an HSG.  My DH and I discussed it and have descided to wait it out for 3 months and do everything in my power to get it to clear on it's own.  Then maybe have the HSG.  So I am stepping up my yoga and researching herbal supplements.  So far, I have found Fertility Blend, and a site called radiant wonder for herbal supplements.  But,  I was curious to see if TCM and acupuncture would be beneficial.  I would love to hear you all thoughts or if anyone has any experience with this.  I am open to pretty much anything.  Thanks!!!

[ISISandOSIRIS]

Sorry to hear about your ectopic pregnancy.  I don't have much to offer other than I do think it's wise to go from least invasive on up.  I feel surgery should be the last step, if you choose, especially if you have other possible remedies to try first.  Good luck :)

[Laurucha]

I'm sorry to hear about your lost pregnancy. After being diagnosed with hydrosalpinges on both sides, I read everything I could find on the subject and consulted with several specialists. Unfortunately, there is no way that yoga, herbal supplements, or acupuncture is going to help a hydrosalpinx. A hydrosalpinx is not just fluid in your tubes, though that is literally what the word means. The fluid is the result of a complete blockage at the end of the tube, which results in the tube becoming severely distended and damaged beyond repair. (It might help to Google images of hydrosalpinges to get an idea.) If the damage is minor, they can try to open the tube through surgery, but usually they are unsuccessful and ectopic pregnancies are common. The best course is to remove the damaged tube, because the fluid from the tube can flow into the uterus and interfere with getting pregnant. If you have one functioning tube, you can still get pregnant naturally once the tube is removed (or possibly cut), but if both are blocked, then IVF is your only option.

I am curious how they diagnosed the hydro, since it sounds like you haven't done an HSG yet. They are usually diagnosed through an HSG, though HSGs can be inaccurate. The only way to get a definitive diagnosis is to have a laparoscopy done, so they can actually see what's going on in there. It seems to me that your doctor should be ordering an HSG now, and then do a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and remove the tube. Unless they saw it while doing surgery, I would hold out some hope that the diagnosis was wrong.

I know you like your OB, but OBs rarely have enough expertise in fertility problems to deal with a condition like this. You really should find yourself an RE.

It just occurred to me after writing all that... Is there any chance you misunderstood and they were talking about a hematosalpinx? That is bleeding in the tube, usually as a result of a tubal pregnancy. That would explain a lot!

[OakTreeMom]

Thanks for the thoughts.  My hydrosalpinx was fully visable on the transvag u/s.  Even I could see it.  They think it could have been caused by the ectopic pg in December.  I have started taking Fertility Blend which I think has lengthened my LP I am on CD25 now and AF has not shown up.  Usually, she is here by now.  I have also gone for a few acupuncture treatments. 

Everything was going well, till last week.  On my first week, I was told to strip to my bra and panties, which was fine.  I am a modest person, so I was a little shy but it was OK.  But, last week.  The dr. (a male)  pretty much went below my low cut bikini panties.  So low I was afraid that he was heading toward my clitoris.   He said these were going to be in my private area but he gave little or no warning and there was not a female assistant in the room until he was half way done.  I just cannot seem to get over that.  So now, I dont want to go back this week.

I am trying to avoid having any type of surgery.  I used to work in the OR and had may instances of women having lots of adhesions from gyn surgeries.  Anytime they do surgery there is a risk and I dont want to risk the other tube or having adhesions unless there is no other options.  Anyone have any experience with acupuncture?  Laurucha, how was your outcome?  Have you pursued IVF or IUI?  I am also sure she said hydrosalpinx rather than the hemato.