Chronic salpingitis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the tubes, initially caused by infection of the female reproductive organs, and is a condition that can make pregnancy difficult by preventing the mature egg from reaching the fallopian tubes, which can lead to the development of a pregnancy. . in the tubes, called ectopic pregnancy.
This inflammation is chronic, when it lasts for many years, because it is not treated or because treatment is late, because the symptoms are very mild or even absent.
- Some of the symptoms of salpingitis are pain during intimate contact and smelly vaginal discharge.
- And its treatment is done with the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory.
Symptoms of salpingitis vary depending on the severity and duration of the disease and usually appear after menstruation. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are:
These symptoms are often more subtle in chronic salpingitis and, in some cases, can be imperceptible, so treatment is done late, leading to the development of complications.
Chronic salpingitis, if left untreated or if treatment is done too late, salpingitis can cause complications such as the spread of infection to other areas of the body, such as the uterus and ovaries, very severe and prolonged abdominal pain, scarring and obstruction of the tubes. , which can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
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Salpingitis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria, the most common of which are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spread through female reproductive organs and cause inflammation. Although rarer, salpingitis can also be caused by bacteria such as Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
In addition, procedures such as uterine biopsy, hysteroscopy, IUD, childbirth, or abortion can increase the risk of developing salpingitis.
The diagnosis of salpingitis should be made as soon as possible to avoid complications. Chronic salpingitis can cause very mild or asymptomatic symptoms, so it’s important to see your gynecologist frequently, ideally at least once a year.
The diagnosis of salpingitis can be made based on the symptoms of the woman, by blood and urine tests, or by performing a microbiological analysis of a vaginal secretion sample, to identify the bacteria responsible for the infection.
In addition to these, additional tests, such as a transvaginal ultrasound, salpingography, and diagnostic laparoscopy may also be used to confirm the presence of inflammation of the tubes.
Treatment for salpingitis includes the use of oral or venous antibiotics to treat infection and pain relievers and anti-inflammatory pain. If salpingitis is related to the use of an IUD, treatment also involves removing it.
In more severe cases, hospital treatment or surgery may be needed to remove the tubes and uterus.
During infection treatment, the woman should rest and drink plenty of water. In addition to the woman, her partner should also take antibiotics during the treatment of inflammation, to make sure that she does not pass the disease back on to her partner.