Content
Chronic salpingitis is characterized by a chronic inflammation of the tubes, initially caused by an infection in the female reproductive organs, and is a condition that can make pregnancy difficult by preventing the mature egg from reaching the uterine tubes, which can lead to the development of a pregnancy in the tubes, called ectopic pregnancy.
This inflammation is chronic, when it lasts for many years, because it is not treated or because the treatment is done late, due to the fact that the symptoms are very mild or even absent.
Some of the symptoms of salpingitis are pain during intimate contact and a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and its treatment is done with the use of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
What are the signs and symptoms
Symptoms of salpingitis vary according to the severity and duration of the disease, and usually appear after menstruation. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, with a bad smell;
- Changes in the menstrual cycle;
- Pain during ovulation;
- Pain during intimate contact;
- Fever;
- Abdominal and lower back pain;
- Pain when urinating;
- Nausea and vomiting.
These symptoms are generally more subtle in chronic salpingitis, and in some cases may be imperceptible, which is the reason why treatment is done late, leading to the development of complications.
Possible complications
Chronic salpingitis, if left untreated or if treatment is done too late, salpingitis can lead to complications such as the spread of infection to other areas of the body, such as the uterus and ovaries, very strong and prolonged abdominal pain, emergence of scarring and blockage of the tubes, which can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
Know what an ectopic pregnancy is and how to identify the symptoms.
What causes
Salpingitis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria, the most common of which are Chlamydia trachomatis and the Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spread through the female reproductive organs, causing inflammation. Although more rare, salpingitis can also be caused by bacteria of the genus Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
In addition, procedures such as biopsy of the uterus, hysteroscopy, IUD placement, childbirth or abortion can increase the risk of developing salpingitis.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of salpingitis should be made as early as possible, in order to avoid complications. Since chronic salpingitis can cause very mild symptoms or be asymptomatic, it is important to go to the gynecologist frequently, ideally at least once a year.
The diagnosis of salpingitis can be made based on the symptoms presented by the woman, by blood and urine tests, or by conducting a microbiological analysis of a sample of vaginal secretions, to identify the bacteria causing the infection.
In addition to these, complementary exams can also be used, such as a transvaginal ultrasound, salpingography and diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm the presence of inflammation of the tubes.
What is the treatment
The treatment of salpingitis includes the use of antibiotics orally or in the vein, to treat the infection, and analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, to control the pain. If salpingitis is related to the use of an IUD, treatment also involves its removal.
In more severe cases, treatment at the hospital or surgery to remove the tubes and uterus may be necessary.
During the treatment of the infection, the woman should rest and drink plenty of water. In addition to the woman, your partner must also take antibiotics during the treatment of the inflammation, to make sure that he does not transmit the disease to his partner again.