Inflammation of the fallopian tubes is considered a fairly common disease of the woman’s reproductive system , which can lead to tubal infertility.
General information
Inflammation of the fallopian tube is a pathology of a gynecological nature, in the absence of treatment of which the process flows into a chronic form. Currently, experts distinguish its following types:
- Salpingitis. This is inflammation, the formation of which is due to the penetration of infectious agents into the fallopian tubes. Neglect of the disease or its improper treatment can lead to obstruction of the fallopian tubes, female infertility.
- Salpingoophoritis. This is an inflammatory process that forms on the uterine appendages due to the active life of pathological microorganisms (staphylococcus, tuberculosis bacteria).
Most often, infection occurs in an ascending way, that is, through the vagina. Then the pathogenic flora moves along the cervical canal, the final point of this “journey” is the fallopian tubes. Inflammation of the fallopian tube begins with its mucous membrane. Then the pathological process spreads to deeper layers.
Immediate seeking help from a doctor and competent therapy guarantee complete recovery. The most favorable prognosis is considered when the inflammation did not provoke obstruction of the pipes. In this case, treatment allows you to fully restore reproductive function.
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes: causes
- Various infections (gonococci, chlamydia, Trichomonas).
- Promiscuous sexual intercourse.
- Unconventional form of sexual contact.
- Diseases of an inflammatory nature.
- Extraneous intervention in the female environment (cesarean section, cervical damage, abortion).
- Frequent stresses.
Clinical picture
As practice shows, signs of inflammation of the fallopian tubes may vary depending on the specific type of pathology.
The acute form of salpingo-oophoritis is characterized by the appearance of pain discomfort in the lower abdomen and lower back. In addition, many women report fever, general worsening, chills, excessive sweating. In rare cases, purulent discharge from the vagina is possible.
The chronic form of salpingo-oophoritis is characterized by the appearance of a dull aching pain in the lower abdomen and in the vagina. Women complain of problems with the menstrual cycle, decreased libido and discomfort during intercourse. Analyzes show a decrease in the level of female hormones and the formation of ovarian hypofunction.
At the initial stage of development, salpingitis is characterized by pain discomfort in the lower abdomen and problems with urination. As the disease progresses, purulent vaginal discharge joins these symptoms, and sexual intercourse is accompanied by severe pain. In some cases, a slight increase in temperature, general malaise, and periodic bouts of weakness are possible.
Diagnostic measures
If you suspect inflammation of the fallopian tubes, you should immediately consult a doctor. At the reception, a specialist conducts a gynecological examination, collects a complete medical history. To determine the specific form of pathology, a number of additional tests may be required, including microbiological examination of the uterus, vagina, and also the urethra. Ultrasound allows you to get the most informative picture about the state of the reproductive system and to differentiate the inflammation of the fallopian tubes. The symptoms described in this article do not always indicate precisely this pathology.
Definition of the final diagnosis is impossible without laparoscopy. This method allows you to visualize internal organs and assess their condition. Laparoscopy is a mini-operation that is performed using a local version of anesthesia. A laparoscope is a tube with several lenses that is inserted directly into the abdominal cavity through small punctures. With it, the doctor can examine the fallopian tubes, determine their condition, the presence of the inflammatory process and pus.
Conservative therapy
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes should not be ignored. Treatment of this pathology is possible only in stationary conditions. Therapeutic tactics largely depend on the results of the diagnosis, the cause and form of the inflammatory process, as well as on the presence of concomitant complications. Of course, neglected cases require a more serious approach to treatment.
With salpingo-oophoritis, complex drug therapy is prescribed, which includes taking antibiotics (Azithromycin, Cefotaxime, Gentamicin) and immunomodulators. Depending on the patient's condition, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs may be additionally prescribed.
In the case of a chronic form of the disease, general strengthening drugs and multivitamin complexes are recommended. Acupressure and acupuncture are not superfluous.
With salpingitis, antibiotics are also prescribed. To prevent possible dysbiosis, antibiotic therapy is combined with the use of antifungal agents (Fluconazole, Ketoconazole) and probiotics (Linex).
When is surgery necessary?
If conservative treatment is ineffective, doctors recommend surgery to all patients with a diagnosis of uterine tube inflammation. Symptoms of pathology in the absence of therapy can significantly reduce the quality of life.
In some cases, even surgery is contraindicated. If the patient is obese, she has poor blood clotting, diagnosed with acute diseases of an infectious nature, it is better to abandon surgery.
The operation involves the removal of part of the fallopian tube, cleaning it from existing pus and disinfection. If there is no opportunity to eliminate the purulent focus, the doctor most often decides to remove the entire uterine appendage.
Removal of the fallopian tubes during inflammation is carried out by means of laparoscopic surgery. The surgeon initially makes several punctures in the wall of the abdomen, through them subsequently introduced tools for manipulation. The procedure itself is considered less traumatic, recovery takes place without serious complications. After surgery, some patients complain of decreased appetite, nausea and bloating. As a rule, such symptoms disappear in 2-3 days and do not require special treatment.
Treatment with folk remedies
Strengthen the therapeutic effect in the diagnosis of "inflammation of the fallopian tubes" can be folk remedies. You should first consult with a gynecologist on this issue. Below we list the most popular recipes for alternative medicine:
- Aniseed seeds. It is necessary to crush 100 g of seeds in a mortar, add 500 g of honey to them. This mixture should be taken three times a day before meals.
- Chamomile, elderberry, aniseed seeds. All ingredients in approximately equal proportions must be ground and poured with water. Put the mixture on the fire and cook for several minutes before boiling. Ready broth should be drunk 1/3 cup three times a day.
- Juniper. The stems and berries of this plant can be used in the diagnosis of uterine tube inflammation. Treatment in this case involves the adoption of healing baths. It will take the stems and berries of juniper pour boiling water and leave for two hours. After this, the broth can be used when taking a bath (you need only 50 g of this infusion). The whole procedure should be no more than half an hour.
What is the pathology dangerous when bearing a child?
Inflammation of the ovaries and fallopian tubes is quite rare during pregnancy. If this happens, the consequences may be the most serious. For example, if a pregnant woman is diagnosed with salpingitis in the early stages, pathology can lead to miscarriage. In the second and third trimesters, it often ends in fetal death.
After the doctor confirms such a diagnosis, the expectant mother is immediately hospitalized and appropriate therapy is prescribed.
In women who have already suffered inflammation of the fallopian tube, the likelihood of infertility or ectopic pregnancy increases several times. In order to avoid such complications, patients are advised to undergo a special examination. By its results, one can judge the patency of the pipes and the ability to naturally conceive a baby. In especially serious cases, the only option is in vitro fertilization.
Prevention
Prevention of any disease, and inflammation of the fallopian tube is no exception, can prevent the development of the disease and increase the likelihood of a speedy recovery if the infection still managed to enter the body. Among the main measures aimed at preventing this pathology, experts call the following:
- Use of modern contraception during intercourse.
- Elimination of stress and constant overwork.
- Prevention of hypothermia.
- Healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
- Compliance with personal hygiene.
- Timely treatment of all diseases.
Conclusion
Any inflammatory process in the body requires timely treatment, especially for the organs of the female reproductive system. Neglect of health can negatively affect the ability to naturally conceive a child. That is why it is so important that when the first signs of this pathology appear, seek qualified help and undergo a course of treatment. Be healthy!