What is salpingitis?

Salpingitis is a type of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID refers to an infection of the reproductive organs. It develops when harmful bacteria enter the reproductive tract. Salpingitis and other forms of PID are usually caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that contain bacteria such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Without prompt treatment, the infection can permanently damage the fallopian tubes, preventing the eggs released by each cycle from coming into contact with the sperm. Scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes is a chronic complication of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and is therefore sometimes referred to as PID. However, the generic term for PID is other infections of the female reproductive system, such as the uterus and ovaries.

Salpingitis causes inflammation of the fallopian tubes. The flame spreads easily from one tube to another, so both tubes are affected. If left untreated, salpingitis can lead to chronic problems.

Types of salpingitis

Salpingitis is generally classified as acute or chronic. In severe salpingitis, the fallopian tubes become red and swollen and secrete excess fluid, so that the inner walls of the tubes often coalesce. The tubes can also stick to nearby structures, such as the intestines. Sometimes a fallopian tube fills with pus and swells. In rare cases, the tube breaks, causing a dangerous infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis). Chronic salpingitis usually follows an acute attack. The infection is mild, long-lasting, and may not produce very noticeable symptoms. 

Symptoms of salpingitis

In mild cases, there may be no symptoms of salpingitis. This means that the fallopian tubes can be damaged without the woman realizing that she has an infection. Symptoms of salpingitis can include:

· Abnormal vaginal discharge such as abnormal color or odor

· Identifying between periods

· Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)

· Pain during ovulation

· Painful or uncomfortable sex

· Fever

· Abdominal pain on both sides

· Low back pain

· Frequent urination

· Nausea and vomiting

· Symptoms usually appear after a period of stress

Causes of salpingitis

In 9 out of 10 cases of salpingitis, the cause is bacterial. Some common bacteria that cause salpingitis:

· Chlamydia

· Gonococcus (which causes gonorrhea)

· Mycoplasma

· Staphylococcus

· Streptococcus

Bacteria need access to the female reproductive system to prevent infection. Bacteria can be introduced in a number of ways, including:

· Sexual relations

· Insertion of IUD (intrauterine device)

· Spontaneous abortion

· Spontaneous abortion

· Birth

· Appendicitis

Although rare, abdominal infections or procedures such as appendicitis or insertion of an IUD can cause salpingitis.

Diagnosis of salpingitis

If you experience symptoms of salpingitis, see your gynaecologist doctor immediately to reduce the risk of complications.

After evaluating your symptoms and reviewing your medical history, your doctor will perform a physical exam to look for areas of tenderness and swelling.

Your doctor may also perform the following tests to make a diagnosis:

Blood and urine tests. These tests look for signs of infection.

Cleaning test of your vagina and uterus. This will determine the type of bacterial infection you have.

Transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound. These imaging tests look at your fallopian tubes and other areas of your reproductive tract.

Hysterosalpingogram. It is a specialized X-ray that uses an iodine-based dye that is injected through the uterus. This will help your doctor see the blockages in your fallopian tubes.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic laparoscopy. This minor surgical procedure allows your doctor to fully see your fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs.

If your doctor decides to continue with this procedure, it can be scheduled as the next visit to your local hospital or surgical center. You can leave the hospital or surgery center, but someone will make sure you go home.

Treatment for salpingitis

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but may include:

Antibiotics: To kill the infection, it is successful in 85% of the cases.

Hospitalization, including intravenous administration of antibiotics.

Surgery: If the condition prevents drug treatment.

Your doctor may prescribe oral or intravenous antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection. Their sexual partners also need antibiotics. Encourage them to get tested for STIs. If you clear the infection but have sex with a partner who has not received treatment, the infection will return to you.

If the infection causes a lump, your doctor may perform laparoscopic surgery to remove it.

If infection points or adhesions occur, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the damaged areas. Your doctor will likely recommend surgery if you want to get pregnant later.

If your fallopian tubes are filled with fluid, your doctor may perform surgery to drain the fluid or remove the fluid-filled area.

Complications of salpingitis

If left untreated, it can lead to complications like salpingitis:

· The spread of infection to other parts of the body, including the uterus and ovaries

· Chronic pelvic and abdominal pain

· Scars, adhesions, and tubular obstructions that can lead to infertility

· Tumors in the fallopian tubes

· Ectopic pregnancy

· Pregnancy and fertility

If diagnosed and treated early, salpingitis should not affect your fertility. You need to be able to conceive and carry the word without complications.

If treatment is delayed, or the infection is not fully treated, salpingitis can cause obstructions, adhesions, or scarring of the fallopian tubes. It can cause infertility.

If these barriers cannot be removed surgically, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be required for pregnancy.

IVF is a two-part surgical procedure. This eliminates the need for the egg to travel to the uterus through the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm. With IVF, the eggs are removed surgically. Then an egg and a sperm are fused in a Petri dish.

If the fetus works, it will be gently inserted into your uterus for implantation. Still, IVF is not foolproof. Success rates vary and depend on many factors, including age and general health.

Salpingitis can also cause an ectopic pregnancy. This happens when a fertilized egg implants outside of your uterus. This type of pregnancy does not lead to a healthy delivery. Ectopic pregnancies are considered medical emergencies and must be treated.