Salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tubes, often caused by bacterial infections like STDs. Symptoms include pain during intercourse, spotting, and pelvic pain. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is important to avoid scarring and potential infertility. In severe cases, removal of the reproductive organs may be necessary.
In the female reproductive system, a vital part is the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus. Damage to these delicate structures can increase the risk of tubal pregnancy and impair fertility. One of the ways this damage can occur is if your fallopian tubes (both or just one) become inflamed due to a bacterial infection, in a condition known as salpingitis.
There are a few causes of salpingitis. It can occasionally occur after women have an IUD placed or after childbirth if exposure to contaminants occurs. Most commonly the cause is sexually transmitted disease (STD) infection that is bacterial in nature. These could include STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. The condition can pose a great risk to future fertility and needs prompt treatment.
Most women are unlikely to ignore the symptoms of salpingitis. These include spotting between periods, pain during intercourse and severe stomach, low back and pelvic pain. The inflammation can press on the bladder resulting in the need to urinate frequently. Other symptoms may include nausea and/or vomiting, tiredness and a flu-like feeling.
Salpingitis is typically diagnosed by testing for bacterial infection and doing a gynecological exam. In some cases, doctors may also want to perform laparoscopy, although this is not always the case. Laparoscopy is usually indicated only if a doctor thinks that other conditions might be causing the pain. In most cases, doctors will do cultures of the vagina, cervix, or uterus to identify the bacteria causing the condition so the antibiotics chosen to treat the infection are specific.
When salpingitis is diagnosed early, it is likely that antibiotic treatment can cure the infection quickly and leave no harm. If the condition persists, is ignored, or left untreated, problems can develop. These can include scarring in the fallopian tubes or developing abscesses which can damage the tubes and cause scarring. If abscesses are present and large, doctors may need to opt for more aggressive treatment by doing things like draining them.
During treatment, patients are usually asked to abstain from sex, as this could complicate treatment and cause the infection to persist. It is also important that sexual partners are tested, as they may be carrying STDs. Both partners must receive a clean bill of health before sexual activity resumes.
In some circumstances, salpingitis resists treatment and antibiotics don’t seem to cure it. While rare and something to avoid if possible, sometimes it may be necessary to remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or uterus. This can be extremely serious in all cases, but it is more difficult for those people who have not yet had children. The best way to avoid this outcome is to get treatment when symptoms are noticed.
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