Inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries (adnexitis)

Adnexitis is a serious gynecological disease that is particularly common in young, sexually active women up to their mid-twenties. It is caused by a bacterial infection and is usually treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include fever, pain in the lower abdomen, severe malaise, nausea, and vomiting. 

How are fallopian tube inflammation symptoms recognized?

Adnexitis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. The infection can go almost undetected in some women. In other instances, the predicament is fatal. In any case, if you experience symptoms, you should visit a gynecologist right away.

The following signs point to an inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries:

• Pain in the lower abdomen, often unilateral
• the pain can radiate
• nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• strong feeling of illness
• possibly (smelling) vaginal discharge

Adnexitis is most often caused by bacteria. They reach the fallopian tube and ovary in different ways:

• Ascending infection : The bacteria come from the outside and travel through the vagina to the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This can happen during a sexual act or after a gynecological procedure, like a scraping or putting in a spiral hysteroscope.
• Descending infection : Inflammation spreads from a neighboring organ to the female genital organs – for example, from the appendix in the case of appendicitis.
• Hematogenous Infection : Pathogens are spread through the blood. Genital tuberculosis is an example.

Adnexitis is a common infection in young women, especially those who have unprotected sexual contact. Infection with chlamydia or gonococci, a lack of estrogen, a weakened immune system, and metabolic diseases can all contribute to the risk of adnexitis.

How does the doctor make a diagnosis?

Gynecologists need to do a thorough exam and talk to the patient to diagnose inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Changes in sexual partners or gynecological procedures could indicate adnexitis.

Adnexitis is characterized by cervical sliding pain during gynecological examination, which can be detected with a smear from the vagina and cervix and ultrasound examination of fluid accumulations.

Adnexitis is often caused by inflammation in the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and a reflection (laparoscopy) of the pelvis can be used to diagnose it. An endoscope is used to look at organs in the area of the pelvis through a small cut in the abdominal wall.

What helps with fallopian tube inflammation?

When the fallopian tubes and ovaries are inflamed, it is best to stay in the hospital as an inpatient. Symptoms of a pelvic inflammatory disease can be similar to those of an ectopic pregnancy or appendicitis. During treatment, it is best to stay in bed and not have sexual relations. Things that don’t belong must be taken out.

Treatment with antibiotics

The drug treatment of fallopian tube and ovarian inflammation is mainly carried out with antibiotics. A swab from the vagina and cervix is used to determine the sensitivity of the bacteria to certain antibiotics. The duration of therapy can be up to three weeks. In the case of sexually transmitted pathogens, appropriate treatment of the partner is also advisable. Home remedies such as heat applications, bed rest, physical rest, and sufficient fluid intake can have a supportive effect.

Tubal Inflammation: What Complications Occur?

Adnexitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which can lead to complications such as accumulation of pus (abscesses) in the fallopian tubes or ovaries, inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis), and blood poisoning or sepsis. Adhesions can occur as a late consequence of inflammation, which can cause pain and block the passage of the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Unrecognized fallopian tube and ovarian infections are a common cause of unwanted childlessness. Regular check-ups by the gynecologist and the consistent use of condoms can protect against infections and reduce the risk of adnexitis.