Salpingitis
Salpingitis is the inflammation/infection of the fallopian tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries. When an infection occurs there is extra fluid (or pus) inside the fallopian tube and it is almost inevitable that when one tube is infected, the other will be too because of the movement of bacteria from the infection through the lymphatic system.
Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility and if it isn’t treated fairly promptly then there may be permanet damage to the fallopian tube which results in a blockage that will prevent eggs from meeting up with sperm and carrying on for implantation in the uterus.
Sometimes it is also called Pelvic Inflammatory disease, but this isn’t completely accurate as PID usually involves the uterus and ovaries as well.
There are two types of salpingitis, acute and chronic (which usually follows an acute attack, but may be milder with less noticable symptoms). In an acute attack the fallopian tubes will be swollen and very infected and they may also stick to other abdominal organs through adhesions.
The most common symptoms are:
- Abnormal colour and/or smell in the vaginal discharge
- Spotting blood between periods
- Painful periods and pain at ovulation
- Uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse
- Fever
- Abdominal pain on both sides
- Lower back pain
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
It is caused by a bacterial infection most commonly transmitted via a sexually transmitted disease such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Treatment is via injected antibiotics and may require several attempts to clear up. If you suspect that it has been caused by an STD, then you must inform any other sexual partners you have had as they may also be infected and/or carrying the disease.
Recommended Books
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Physician Tells You What You Need to Know
- Brazillian Waxes, Lazy Ovaries and Outrageous Orgasms: Embarrassing Questions and Sassy Answers on Women’s Sexual Health
Links