What is Salpingitis?
Salpingitis is the inflammation of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes extend from the uterus, one on each side, and both open near an ovary. Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility. If salpingitis is not promptly treated, the infection may permanently damage the fallopian tube so that the eggs released each menstrual cycle can’t meet up with sperm.
Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Without prompt treatment, the infection may permanently damage the fallopian tube so that the eggs released each menstrual cycle can’t meet up with sperm.
Types of Salpingitis
There are two types of salpingitis :-
- Acute salpingitis :- In acute salpingitis, the fallopian tubes become red and swollen, and secrete extra fluid so that the inner walls of the tubes often stick together. The tubes may also stick to nearby structures such as the intestines. Sometimes, a fallopian tube may fill and bloat with pus. In rare cases, the tube ruptures and causes a dangerous infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis)
- Chronic salpingitis usually follows an acute attack. The infection is milder, longer lasting and may not produce many noticeable symptoms.
Salpingitis Symptoms
The symptoms of salpingitis may includes :-
- Abdominal pain on both sides.
- Fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as unusual colour or smell.
- Pain during ovulation.
- Frequent urination.
- Lower back pain.
- Dysmenorrhoea
Causes of Salpingitis
Salpingitis is caused by a bacterial infection. The common types of bacteria that cause salpingitis are: Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. However, it can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Treatment of Salpingitis
The treatment of salpingitis rests on the administration of antibiotics (often for periods of several weeks). The antibiotics selected are targeted to attack the most likely organism, and often provide broad coverage to include may different possible microbes. The sexual partner should obviously be evaluated, screened and treated appropriately, ensuring compliance with all medication and abstinence from sexual relations during the treatment period so as to prevent re-infection. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but may includes :-
- Antibiotics – to kill the infection, which is successful in around 85 per cent of cases.
- Hospitalisation – including intravenous administration of antibiotics.
- Surgery – if the condition resists drug treatment.
Complications of Salpingitis
Without treatment, salpingitis can cause a range of complications, including :-
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Infection to nearby structures, such as the ovaries or uterus.
- Infertility.
- Infection of sex partners – the woman’s partner or partners may contract the bacteria and become infected too.
Useful References