Content
Inflammation in the ovaries, also known as "oophoritis" or "ovaritis", occurs when an external agent such as bacteria and viruses begin to multiply in the region of the ovaries. In some cases, autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, or even endometriosis, can also cause inflammation of the ovary, leading to the appearance of some symptoms, the main ones being:
- Pain in the lower belly;
- Pain when urinating or during intimate contact;
- Vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period;
- Constant fever above 37.5º C;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Difficulty getting pregnant.
As a consequence of this inflammation, there is the alteration in the menstrual cycle and the irregularity in the formation of hormones that are produced there.
However, as these symptoms are common to other diseases such as endometriosis, inflammation of the tubes, and are often confused with inflammation in the uterus, it is important to consult the gynecologist to identify the correct cause and start the most appropriate treatment. Check out the most frequent symptoms of inflammation in the uterus.
Main causes of inflammation
Inflammation in the ovary has three main different causes, which is why they are classified as autoimmune inflammation, chronic because they happen over and over again, and acute inflammation, which can have a bacterial or viral cause. Thus, the three main causes of inflammation in the ovary are:
- Autoimmune inflammation: it can happen due to an autoimmune disease that is usually lupus, in which case the body itself attacks and tries to destroy the cells of the ovary. It is the most serious type and can lead to infertility and even ovarian removal surgery.
- Chronic inflammation: it is usually related to endometriosis, which occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus internally, grows outside it, causing inflammation of the ovaries and other organs in the region. In the most severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the ovaries and even the uterus.
- Acute inflammation: usually due to chlamydia or gonorrhea bacteria, but in some cases, it can appear after infection with the mumps virus.
For the diagnosis of inflammation in the ovary and the differentiation of its classification, laboratory tests and images such as blood count, blood sedimentation, ultrasound or radiography are performed. These tests are also used to rule out possibilities like ectopic pregnancy, which is a disease with almost the same symptoms. Understand how ectopic pregnancy happens and how to identify it.
Treatment of inflammation in the ovary
Treatment for inflammation in the ovary, regardless of which of the three classifications, is usually done with the use of antibiotics such as amoxicillin or azithromycin, and hormonal anti-inflammatories such as dexamethasone or prednisolone, prescribed by the gynecologist, for about 8 to 14 days.
Other drugs, such as paracetamol and metoclopramide, can also be prescribed if the person has pain or nausea.
However, if the person has already been treated and the inflammation has returned, or when the tubes are also inflamed, hospitalization may be necessary to make use of medicines that are injected directly into the vein. In the most severe cases, the doctor may also recommend surgery to treat the problem, which may include the removal of the ovaries.