Content
Salpingitis is a gynecological alteration in which inflammation of the uterine tubes is observed, also known as fallopian tubes, which in most cases is related to infection by sexually transmitted bacteria, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and the Neisseria gonorrhoeae, in addition to being also related to the placement of the IUD or as a result of gynecological surgery, for example.
This situation is very uncomfortable for women, as it is common for abdominal pain and during intimate contact, bleeding outside the menstrual period and fever, in some cases. Therefore, it is important that as soon as the first symptoms indicative of salpingitis appear, the woman goes to the gynecologist to make the diagnosis and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of salpingitis
The symptoms of salpingitis usually appear after the menstrual period in sexually active women and can be quite uncomfortable, the main ones being:
- Abdominal pain;
- Changes in the color or smell of the vaginal discharge;
- Pain during intimate contact;
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period;
- Pain when urinating;
- Fever above 38º C;
- Pain in the bottom of the back;
- Urge to urinate frequently;
- Nausea and vomiting.
In some cases the symptoms can be persistent, that is, they last for a long time, or appear frequently after the menstrual period, this type of salpingitis being known as chronic. Learn how to identify chronic salpingitis.
Main causes
Salpingitis occurs mainly as a result of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and is mainly associated with infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and the Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which manage to reach the tubes and cause inflammation.
In addition, women who use the Intrauterine Device (IUD) are also more likely to develop salpingitis, as are women who have undergone gynecological surgery or who have multiple sexual partners.
Another situation that increases the risk of salpingitis is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which usually happens when a woman has untreated genital infections, so that the infection-related bacteria can reach the tubes and also cause salpingitis. Understand more about PID and its causes.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of salpingitis is made by the gynecologist through the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the woman and the results of laboratory tests such as blood count and PCR and microbiological analysis of vaginal discharge, since in most cases salpingitis is related to infections.
In addition, the gynecologist can perform a pelvic exam, hysterosalpingography, which is done with the aim of visualizing the fallopian tubes and, thus, identifying indicative signs of inflammation. See how hysterosalpingography is done.
It is important that the diagnosis is made as soon as possible so that treatment can begin and avoid complications, such as sterility, ectopic pregnancy and generalized infection. Therefore, it is important for women to undergo routine gynecological examinations, even if there are no symptoms of illness.
How the treatment is done
Salpingitis is curable as long as the treatment is done according to the gynecologist's guidance, who usually indicates the use of antibiotics for about 7 days. In addition, it is recommended that the woman does not have sex during treatment, even if it is with a condom, avoid having vaginal showers and keep the genital area always clean and dry.
In the most severe cases, the gynecologist may recommend surgery to remove the tubes and other structures that may have been affected by the infection, such as the ovary or uterus, for example. Check out more details about salpingitis treatment.