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Maternal (Expert Forum)
Chances of Pregnancy?
Patient medical question and answer from The Maternal and Child Health Forum. Health topic area and articles about newborn care
Chances of Pregnancy?
by B__0, Mar 31, 1999 12:00AM
I recently experienced hospitalization for possible diagnosis of
diverticulitis (I'm aged 36). A gynecologist feels that I have acquired
hydrosalpinx (left side) as a result of the primary infection. Are my
chances of becoming pregnant diminished? The right fallopian tube was not
affected. I continue to experience pain on the left side and fever
(despite continued antibiotics - Flagyl & Cipro), and am scheduled for
further testing to confirm diagnosis.
Also, I will be undergoing a spinal laminectomy, decompression & fusion
(L5-S1) in a couple of months. After a fusion, could I still have an
epidural (if I can get pregnant)?
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Doctor's Answer
by hfhs.md.db, Mar 31, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear B
Hydrosalpinx refers to a distended, fluid-filled tube. In general, affected tubes are felt to have diminished function in sperm and oocyte transport. It is reassurring that the other (right) tube appears to be normal. It is important to remember that women's fertility decreases gradually with age. There is a recent tendency for fertility specialists to recommend assisted reproductive techniques (intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization) relatively earlier in "older" women with tubal factor infertility.
The ultimate decision to perform a labor epidural rests with the anesthesiologist present during your labor. In general however, my experience is that most anesthesia personnel will not place an epidural in women with lumbosacral back surgery.
