Michelle Emblenton, biochemist at inviTRA, talks about the possible reasons for hydrosalpinx:
Hydrosalpinx is usually the result of an infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Two of the most common culprits of pelvic inflammatory disease are chlamidia and gonorrhea, but it can be also caused by other naturally occurring bacteria within the female reproductive system. A chronic and undiagnosed and untreated case of pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes called salpingitis. If this is not treated, it can result in the fallopian tubes becoming swollen, distended and full of fluid and this is called hydrosalpinx. It can be caused by other things than infection, for example an endometriosis, which is where uterine tissue grows outside of the uterine cavity.
It could be caused by insertion of an intrauterine device for contraceptive purposes. Previous surgeries of the reproductive system could also be a possible cause, as could genital tuberculosis. If you've had a previous ectopic pregnancy it it could also be an indicating factor that hydrosalpinx may be present. All of these things can lead to the presence of scar tissue within the tubes and, as a result, swelling, inflammation and collection of fluid inside the fallopian tubes.
