Salpingitis

What is salpingitis?

Salpingitis is an inflammation of the fallopian tube(s). The fallopian tubes are the connection between the ovaries and the uterus. When an egg is released from one of the ovaries, it travels down a fallopian tube to the uterus.

Salpingitis may also be called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a general term for an infection of any of the pelvic organs (including the fallopian tubes).

How does it occur?

Salpingitis is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads into the fallopian tube(s) from the vagina, cervix (opening to the uterus), or uterus. The infection is often sexually transmitted. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be passed from one partner to another during sex, or by contact with the genitals, mouth, or rectal area of an infected person.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of salpingitis include:

• pain in the lower abdomen (both sides), especially when you move or walking
• pain during a vaginal exam
• fever and chills
• need to urinate frequently.

In some cases there are no symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?

To diagnose salpingitis, your health care provider may take blood to check your white blood cell count. He or she will also take a sample of cells by inserting a swab into the vagina and brushing the swab against the wall of the cervix (the opening to the uterus). Lab tests of the sample will show what type of bacteria is causing the infection.

A laparoscopy may be done to examine your abdomen. This procedure is done under general anesthesia and may require an overnight stay in the hospital.

An ultrasound is sometimes used to help with the diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Treatment includes bed rest for you and antibiotic therapy for you and your sexual partner(s) to prevent spread as well as recurrence. You may need to stay in the hospital for IV antibiotic treatment. Pain medication may be prescribed. You should drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juices, and tea.

You may need surgery to repair or remove the damaged tube(s) or if you develop a pelvic abscess.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow these guidelines:

• Call your health care provider if you have any new or returning symptoms.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until cultures come back negative, indicating you can no longer spread the disease.
• Ask your sexual partner(s) to be treated for infection.
• If it is necessary to apply a topical cream to the genital area, use disposable gloves to prevent spread of the infection.
• Know the side effects of any medication you are taking.
• Use pads instead of tampons, and change them frequently.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Avoid using douches, perfumed soaps, sprays, and feminine hygiene deodorants, which may be irritating to sensitive tissues.
• Use a hair dryer on low setting to dry your genital area if towel drying is uncomfortable.
• Wear loose clothing.
• Put a heating pad on your abdomen to relieve cramping or pain. Use a low heat setting. Be careful not to burn yourself.
• If you are taking tetracycline or a similar medicine such as doxycycline, avoid having milk products within 2 hours of the medication. Also, you may sunburn more easily or develop a rash while you are taking this medication.
• Do not have sex until your health care provider tells you it is OK.

What can be done to help prevent salpingitis?

Because this infection is caused by organisms that can be passed from one person to another sexually, it can be prevented by careful sexual practices:

• Have just one sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else.
• Be honest with partner(s) about diseases you are being treated for or have been exposed to.
• Avoid intercourse during an acute infection.
• Use latex or polyurethane condoms during sexual intercourse.
• Stop oral sex if safety is questionable.