Salpingoophoritis (or adnexitis) is inflammation of the appendages of the uterus (fallopian tube and ovary), most often caused by infection. The causative agent of acute salpingo-oophoritis can be:
- streptococcus;
- staphylococcus aureus;
- Chlamydia;
- gonococcus;
- E. coli;
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Infection falls into the appendages through the vagina, rises on the neck of the uterus, thus achieving its "goal".
Acute salpingo-oophoritis is most often a complication of abortion or other manipulations on the uterus. First, fallopian tubes are involved in the process, after which the ovaries become inflamed. Salpingoophoritis can be one-sided (right-sided or left-sided), but there are cases of bilateral defeat of appendages.
Salpingo-oophoritis - symptoms
The clinical picture of salpingo-oophoritis depends on the pathogen of infection and the state of the organism. Thus, adnexitis, which is caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus or gonococcus, has an acute or subacute course, and chlamydia and tuberculosis are chronic.
Acute salpingo-oophoritis is characterized by severe pain in the lower abdomen and at the level of the sacrum. In some cases, pain is accompanied by bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation. When pressing down on the abdomen, there is severe pain, and in severe cases - there is a tension in the muscles of the abdomen. Also, there are all signs of an organism intoxication - high temperature, increased number of leukocytes and ESR.
In the case when complications do not appear - within 7-10 days the pain gradually ceases, the temperature is normalized, and the blood test comes back to normal.
Symptoms of chronic salpingo-oophoritis
Chronic salpingo-oophoritis occurs as a complication of acute adnexitis, or is the primary manifestation of infection. Usually, women feel pain in the abdomen and groin, sometimes giving to the sacrum or rectum. These sensations are caused by spikes, which form against the backdrop of a chronic inflammatory process. Spikes in the fallopian tubes can disrupt their integrity, and, therefore, lead to infertility. Often with chronic salpingo-oophoritis, there are irregularities in the menstrual cycle, which are manifested as prolonged and profuse with bleeding. Very often the only sign of the disease is infertility. Salpingoophoritis, regardless of the pathogen, occurs with periods of exacerbations and remissions. With severe stress, hypothermia, exhaustion - the infection "wakes up" and makes itself felt.
What should you do if you notice symptoms of salpingoophoritis?
As soon as possible consult a doctor. Acute salpingo-oophoritis rarely pose a threat to life, but here are some pathologies with similar symptoms - can be very dangerous. Among them - ectopic pregnancy, rupture of the ovarian cyst, acute appendicitis.
If the doctor confirmed the diagnosis of acute salpingo-oophoritis, or exacerbation of chronic andexitis -
Prevention of salpingo-oophoritis
Prevention of infectious diseases of the genital tract is rather simple - avoid abortions, spirals, adequately take care of the external genital organs in the postpartum period. In order not to cause exacerbations of salpingo-oophoritis - try not to cool and over-strain, especially during menstruation.
Remember that unprotected sex is the source of possible infections.