Inflammation of the appendages of the uterus is a very common problem that many women face, especially those of a young age. If untreated, the ailment can lead to a mass of unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous complications.
Why does inflammation of the appendages develop? How to treat such a disease? In what cases is it advisable to consult a doctor? Is it possible to treat inflammation of the appendages with folk remedies? Many women seek answers to these questions.
Brief information about the disease
Adnexal inflammation (adnexitis) is a fairly common disease that women of reproductive age often face. By the way, today the term "adnexitis" is rarely used. If the inflammatory process affects the fallopian tubes, then we are talking about salpingitis. But inflammation of the tissues of the ovaries is called oophoritis. Nevertheless, according to statistics, in most cases, the pathological process affects both the ovaries and fallopian tubes, both on one and at the same time on both sides. According to statistics, inflammation of the appendages is the most common gynecological disease.
The main causes of the development of the disease
Immediately it is worth saying that in almost every single case, the inflammatory process is associated with the activity of bacterial (less often fungal) microorganisms.
Quite often, the disease develops against the background of infection by microorganisms that are transmitted sexually (mycoplasmas, chlamydia, etc.). In addition, conditionally pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli) can be activated, which also leads to the development of an inflammatory process.
Infection can enter the tissues of the uterus in several ways:
- The ascending path, in which pathogenic microorganisms first penetrate the woman’s vagina, then move through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity, and from there enter the fallopian tubes and then into the ovaries. Infection can occur directly into the vagina during intercourse. In addition, spread of infection from the urinary tract (urethra) or rectum is possible.
- A descending pathway in which pathogens enter the genitals from the tissues of the abdominal cavity. The source of infection may be, for example, an inflamed appendix.
- Some bacteria and fungi enter the blood or lymph, and already with the flow of fluids spread throughout the body. In this case, the primary source of infection can be located in almost any organ system.
- Often, the infection enters the tissues of the appendages in several ways at once.
It is worth noting immediately that there are some risk factors. The likelihood of developing an inflammatory process increases against the background of a decrease in immune activity, hypothermia, severe stress, physical or nervous overwork. Potentially dangerous are abortions and diagnostic curettage, as well as the use of an intrauterine device.
The clinical picture in acute inflammation
Immediately it is worth saying that the signs of inflammation of the appendages and their intensity directly depend on the stage of development of the disease, the presence of concomitant problems, as well as the general condition of the patient. The clinical picture, however, has some features:
- The patient's body temperature rises sharply (up to 38-39 degrees). There are signs of intoxication, in particular, weakness, headaches, chills, fatigue, body aches.
- The discharge during inflammation of the appendages is plentiful, mucous, often with impurities of pus and an unpleasant odor.
- Patients most often see a doctor complaining of severe, sharp pains located in the lower abdomen. Soreness often spreads to the sacrum and anus. If unilateral inflammation takes place, then the pain is localized on the affected side.
- On palpation of the abdomen, you can notice the tension of the abdominal wall, which indicates its irritation.
- Against the background of the inflammatory process, menstrual irregularities are observed. Menstruation is accompanied by too much bloody discharge, and sometimes sharp, cramping pains in the lower abdomen.
- Sometimes an abscess forms in the tissues of the ovary. If it breaks, then purulent masses fall on the organs of the small pelvis and tissue of the abdominal wall, which often ends with peritonitis.
As a rule, after 7-10 days, the symptoms begin to weaken. If the patient was provided with help, then her body temperature gradually returns to normal, discharge and pain disappear, her health improves. If therapy was absent or was not completed, then inflammation can go into a chronic form. An abscess rupture is an indication for urgent surgical intervention.
Stages of development of acute adnexitis
The inflammatory process develops in four stages, each of which is characterized by a certain set of symptoms:
- The first stage is accompanied by inflammation of the endometrium and tissues of the fallopian tubes. Symptoms of pelvic irritation of the abdominal wall are absent.
- The second stage is characterized by the appearance of signs of peritoneal irritation.
- The third stage is accompanied by the spread of the inflammatory process to the ovarian tissue. In the absence of therapy, formation and accumulation of pus is observed - an abscess is formed.
- The fourth stage is the most difficult, since it is characterized by a rupture of the abscess, as a result of which purulent masses fall on nearby tissues.
It is extremely important during the diagnosis to determine the form and stage of development of the disease. Guided by these facts, the doctor selects effective drugs for inflammation of the appendages.
Symptoms of chronic inflammation in the appendages
Chronic adnexitis, as a rule, is the result of improper treatment of an acute inflammatory process. This form of the disease is characterized by periodic exacerbations, which are then replaced by periods of relative well-being. Relapse is accompanied by very characteristic symptoms:
- The temperature during inflammation of the appendages rises to 37-38 degrees. Patients complain of poor health. There is weakness, fatigue.
- Mucopurulent discharge appears from the vagina. Perhaps the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen.
- Similar symptoms, as a rule, subside after 5-7 days.
Even in the period of relative well-being, patients have certain disorders:
- According to statistics, in 50% of cases, chronic inflammation is accompanied by various disorders of the menstrual cycle (too meager or excessive discharge during menstruation, lack of menstruation).
- About 35-40% of patients complain of various disorders of sexual function. There is a decrease in libido, sometimes until its complete disappearance. Sexual intercourse itself is often accompanied by soreness.
Inflammation of the appendages: consequences and complications
As evidenced by the reviews of doctors, such a disease (if it was diagnosed on time) responds well to therapy. Nevertheless, there is always the possibility of the inflammatory process becoming chronic, and this is already fraught with dangerous consequences:
- To begin with, it is worth noting that inflammation of the appendages affects the functioning of the ovaries. Patients sometimes suffer from anovulation, various disorders of the menstrual cycle, which creates difficulties in fertilization.
- In addition, there is a likelihood of development of sclerotic processes, the formation of infiltrates. This leads to the appearance of adhesions in the tissues of the ovaries, fallopian tubes. The result of such processes is secondary infertility. Moreover, previously suffered inflammation of the appendages increases the likelihood of spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and premature birth.
- Infection from the focus of inflammation often spreads along with blood and lymph to other organs. The patient’s condition is sometimes complicated by pyelonephritis, cholecystitis, colitis.
Diagnostic measures
Only a doctor knows how to treat inflammation of the appendages. That is why, when the first symptoms appear, you need to contact a specialist. After collecting an anamnesis and a standard gynecological examination, the patient is sent for analyzes and instrumental examinations:
- A general and biochemical blood test is mandatory. Such a study helps confirm the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- A general urinalysis is also shown.
- A swab from the vagina is performed. The resulting samples are used for microscopic examination. In addition, bacteriological culture is carried out, which allows you to grow the culture of the pathogen, identify its type and check the presence of sensitivity to a particular drug.
- Sometimes additional tests are performed to determine the presence of specific pathogens, such as mycoplasmas, chlamydia, cytomegaloviruses.
- A smear for oncocytology is also performed.
- If there is a delay in menstruation, a pregnancy test is performed.
- An ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is also shown.
After examining the results of the examinations, the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and draw up an effective treatment regimen for inflammation of the appendages. It is impossible to self-medicate in this case.
Inflammation of the appendages: how to treat?
It is immediately worth noting that the treatment regimen directly depends on the form of the disease, the nature of the pathogen and the presence of concomitant complications.
Antibiotics for inflammation of the appendages are required. As already mentioned, the disease develops against the background of the activity of pathogenic microflora. Antibacterial therapy is necessary in order to avoid complications. Antibiotics for inflammation of the appendages are selected depending on the nature of the pathogen. As a rule, the following groups of drugs are used:
- cephalosporins, in particular "Cefoxitin", "Cefotaxime";
- antibiotics from the penicillin group (Amoxicillin, Ampicillin);
- tetracyclines (Doxycycline is considered the most effective);
- macrolides (the most commonly used drugs are Azithromycin and Clarithromycin);
- fluoroquinolones, for example, Ofloxacin;
- lincosamides ("Clindamycin").
In the event that there are suspicions of infection by several pathogens at once, Metronidazole is used (for inflammation of the uterine appendages, this agent is effective against anaerobic microflora).
The patient is also injected with solutions of dextran, glucose, and protein agents. Water-salt solutions are also used. Such therapy helps to eliminate intoxication symptoms, restore the balance of electrolytes in the body.
Rectal and vaginal suppositories from inflammation of the appendages also help. Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral suppositories help to quickly deal with the infection. For example, for the prevention or treatment of inflammation caused by fungi of the genus Candida, such agents as Flucostat, Fluconazole are used.
"Indomethacin", "Movalis", "Diclofenac" - these suppositories from inflammation of the appendages also help. Such drugs have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties - they quickly relieve pain, inhibit inflammatory processes, normalize body temperature.
In addition, agents are added to the treatment regimen that restore the natural intestinal microflora (beneficial bacteria are also susceptible to the harmful effects of antibiotics).
Physiotherapeutic procedures
Physiotherapeutic methods are prescribed after the end of drug treatment. They are especially useful in the chronic form of inflammation, as they have absorbable and analgesic properties, and also reduce the risk of adhesions in the fallopian tubes.
Electrophoresis is considered effective, during which preparations of magnesium, zinc and iodine are used. Sometimes patients are prescribed UHF therapy and amplipulse therapy. Also, women are recommended periodic spa treatment. Iodine-bromine and radon baths will be useful. Arsenic and sodium chloride waters are also used for treatment. Mud therapy helps to restore the reproductive system.
The scheme of therapy often includes special gymnastics, massage and acupuncture. Such procedures help activate blood circulation in the pelvic organs, strengthen muscles, improve local immunity and just relax. Sometimes women are recommended psychotherapy.
Alternative recipes for the treatment of adnexitis
Is it possible to treat inflammation of the appendages with folk remedies? This question is asked by many patients. It’s worth mentioning right away that some home remedies can actually speed up the healing process. But they can be used only with the permission of the attending physician.
- Useful are considered douching. To prepare the medicine, you need to mix equal amounts of nettle and sage leaves, pharmacy chamomile flowers, oak bark, horsetail and thyme grass, arnica baskets. Three tablespoons of the dry mixture should be poured with a liter of hot water and cook over low heat for five minutes. Next, cover the broth and insist for half an hour. The filtered liquid is used for douching. The procedure, by the way, is recommended before bedtime.
- Warm sitting baths will also be helpful. For this, you can use decoctions of sage, chamomile, and a series of. The procedure is best repeated daily for a week.
Do I need a special diet?
If you are interested in the question of how to treat inflammation of the appendages, then it is worthwhile to understand that during therapy it is important to adhere to a hypoallergenic diet. From the diet, at least temporarily, you need to exclude products such as mushrooms, cocoa, chocolate, coffee, sweets, eggs, proteins, citrus fruits. It is also worth limiting the daily amount of carbohydrates and salt. Stew, cook or steam the carcasses, but it is better to refuse fried and baked dishes.
Such a diet will help strengthen the body, improve metabolic processes, increase resistance to various infectious agents. Outside the period of exacerbation, you can return to a more familiar diet. However, the diet should be balanced.
Preventive measures: how to protect yourself from inflammation?
You already know what to do with inflammation of the appendages. But it is much easier to try to avoid the development of such an ailment. Doctors advise in the first place to avoid the influence of risk factors:
- All genital infections must necessarily respond to therapy on time. Experts remind that it is extremely important to use condoms and limit the number of random sexual acts, this reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
- It is also important to use contraceptives to prevent abortion. If there is still a need to interrupt the pregnancy, then it is better to do this in the early stages by medication.
- It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, eat right, refuse spicy foods and alcohol. Also, experts recommend avoiding hypothermia, learn to cope with stress.
- If there are inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, then they need to be treated on time.
- It is also recommended to maintain a normal vaginal microflora. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe the administration of probiotics in the form of capsules or vaginal suppositories.
- Experts do not recommend having sex during menstruation, as this increases the likelihood of pathogenic microorganisms penetrating the uterus.
- Every 6-12 months you need to undergo a preventive gynecological examination - so existing pathologies can be diagnosed in the early stages.
Of course, with the manifestation of any signs of inflammation of the uterine appendages, you need to see a doctor: late diagnosis is fraught with dangerous complications.