Salpingitis is a type of pelvic inflammatory disease that consists of inflammation of the fallopian tubes. It usually appears after a bacterial infection Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, it can be caused by other types of germs.
Also, infection with one of these pathogens increases the chance of HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases. The infections that cause salpingitis start in the vagina and work their way up to the upper genital tract.
types of salpingitis
Depending on whether one or both tubes are affected, it is referred to as unilateral or bilateral salpingitis. While, bilateral salpingitis occurs in about 60% of cases. Two types of salpingitis can be distinguished:
- Acute salpingitis: requires immediate medical attention for its symptoms. In addition, treatment with anti-inflammatories and antibiotics is necessary. It may also require surgery if there is a buildup of pus in the tube.
- Chronic salpingitis: it can go unnoticed because it is asymptomatic. It usually occurs after the menstrual period.
symptoms of salpingitis
Symptoms of this disease may vary depending on the microorganism involved. But there is one hallmark and common symptom, pelvic pain and inflammation.
They can go from 2 days to 3 weeks or even months after having contact with the causative agent. However, the contagion is facilitated by the fact that there are asymptomatic patients. The existence of patients carrying the infection who are asymptomatic increases the chances of serious complications.
However, there is other symptoms that may appear AS:
- vaginal discharge abnormal with thick discharge.
- Fever, nausea and vomiting.
- Pain during ovulation.
- Irregular menstrual bleeding.
- Uncomfortable and even painful sexual intercourse.
Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of salpingitis the patient’s symptoms and sexual history are taken into consideration. Ultrasounds can detect more severe cases of salpingitis. In turn, it allows to exclude the existence of another pathology.
To identify the pathogen causing salpingitis, a analysis of vaginal secretions. If the diagnosis is made early, the inflammation usually subsides with treatment. However, a late diagnosis can lead to more serious complications. If so, it’s more likely there will be sequels.
Treatment
Since it is an inflammation normally caused by a bacterial agent, the treatment of choice is pharmacological. Treatment consists of the administration of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories for the pain.
The antibiotic used It will depend on the microorganism causing the infection. Some of the antibiotics used are:
- doxycycline
- Azithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Levofloxacin
It is important to mention this the patient’s partner should also be treated with antibiotics. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse up to a week after the end of treatment, since sexual practice can worsen the clinical picture.
In the most serious cases, however, if outpatient treatment is not effective, hospitalization of the patient may be required. In this sense, if the fallopian tube infection becomes complicated, surgical treatment is chosen. In these situations it usually is resort to salpingectomythat is, the removal of the fallopian tubes.
Complications of salpingitis
Salpingitis causes infertility. Inflammatory processes cause adhesions in the tubes or fibrosis of the tubal lumen. These adhesions cause the tubal canal to malfunction.
Inflammation of the fallopian tubes hinders the egg’s path to the uterus. This makes it difficult for him to meet the sperm and therefore prevents fertilization. Moreover, in 50% of ectopic pregnancies there is a clinical history of salpingitis.
For this reason, if after treatment the tubes continue to be affected, get pregnant fertilization is recommended in vitro.
In case there is a pregnancy without the patient having treated the chlamydial infection, this can cause premature births and infections in the newborn. As, the newborn may suffer from conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Other complications that may appear are as follows:
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Pelvic abscess of pus.
- Septicemia.
- Recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease.
Have you been diagnosed with salpingitis? In that case, we recommend that you follow all of your doctor’s instructions, rest, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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