Fallopian tubes are a part of female reproductive system. In a normal female, there are two fallopian tubes, each attached to the ovary on the right and left side of the uterus. Also known as salpinges, these tubes connect ovaries to the uterus. Fallopian tubes play an important part in fertilization process.
The egg released from the ovary passes through the fallopian tube before getting embedded itself to the walls of the uterus. In fact, the sperm and egg meet in the fallopian tube for fertilization. A fertilized ovum stays in fallopian tube for sometime before it moves further down in the uterine cavity.
Fallopian tube infection is one of the prime factors for infertility in females. Fallopian tube infection most often is caused due to bacterial infection. The common bacteria involved are staphylococci, streptococci. Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia infection, both sexually transmitted diseases are often blamed for fallopian tube infection.
Infection in fallopian tube is also known as salpingitis. Due to infection, there is inflammation in the fallopian tube. Inflammation initiates collection of fluid in the tube, often the fluid is in the form of pus. Generally, infection in one fallopian tube can affect other tube, as the germs can travel via the lymph vessels.
Being a major cause of infertility in females, infection in fallopian tubes should be treated promptly or else it can permanently damage the tubes. The obvious choice of treatment is use of antibiotics.
Causes Of Infection Of Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian tube infection in most cases is caused as a result of bacterial infection. Following are the commonest bacteria responsible for infection in the fallopian tube. Streptococci, staphylococci, gonococci, mycoplasma, Chlamydia are generally the causative organism. Since fallopian tubes are placed high in the female genital tract, bacteria do not get easy accessibility. It can make its way from the vagina upwards either through sexual intercourse, medical termination of pregnancy, insertion of IUD, miscarriage or after parturition.
The risk of fallopian tube infection increases many fold in a woman who indulges in sexual activity with multiple partners without taking any protective measures.
Fallopian Tube Infection Symptoms
The infection in fallopian tube may depend on its severity. If the infection is mild, the patient may not notice them. Many times the symptoms get aggravated after menstrual period is over.
- Pain in lower abdomen is the most common symptom noticed after fallopian tube infection. In acute cases the pain is severe in nature.
- Painful intercourse.
- Fever with rigors.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Fast pulse.
- Associated headache.
- Vaginal discharge may be abnormal in color and smell.
- Painful menstruation.
- Tenderness over abdomen.
- Ovulation is painful.
- Low backache.
- Burning urination as a result of gonorrheal infection.
Treatment For Salpingitis
Infection of fallopian tube needs to be treated as soon as it is detected. This is because, if neglected it can lead to infertility in women.
- Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics to kill the germs. In most cases the treatment is successful. If the oral treatment with antibiotics fails, doctors may suggest intravenous administration of antibiotics.
- The second most important requirement in treating the condition is to keep the vaginal area clean. Change the undergarments at regular intervals.
- Abstain from sexual activity during treatment period.
- Avoid multiple partners to prevent the infection in first place or use safe sex methods such as use of condoms, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.