Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hematosalpinx
Introduction
Hematosalpinx (sometimes also hemosalpinx) is a medical condition involving bleeding into the fallopian tubes.
Causes
Causes
A number of causes may account for a hematosalpinx, by far the most common being a tubal pregnancy. Blood may also escape into the peritoneal cavity leading to a hemoperitoneum. A hematosalpinx can also be associated with endometriosis or tubal carcinoma. Further, if menstrual blood flow is obstructed (cryptomenorrhea),caused for instance by a transverse vaginal septum, and gets backed up it may lead to a hematosalpinx.
Symptoms
Symptoms
A hematosalpinx from a tubal pregnancy may be associated with pelvic pain and uterine bleeding. A gynecologic ultrasound will show the hematosalpinx. A hematosalpinx from other conditions may be painless but could lead to uterine bleeding.
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment is directed at the underlying condition and usually surgical.