Exploring Salpingitis

Salpingitis is the inflammation of the fallopian tubes, caused by bacterial infection. Some of the most common cause of salpingitis is sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Salpingitis is one of the main causes of infertility in women because it can damage the fallopian tube. The inflammation prompts extra fluid secretion or even pus to collect inside the fallopian tube. Infection of one tube usually leads to infection of the other, since the bacteria migrate via the nearby lymph vessels. The most frequent long-term effect of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is also known as PID, is scarring and obstruction of the fallopian tubes.

Salpingitis symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge ( unusual colour or smell), spotting between periods, dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), pain during ovulation, uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse, abdominal pain on both sides, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting, and fever. In milder cases, salpingitis may have no symptoms.

Gynaecologist, Dr. Carla Nicholson-Daley joins us on Sunrise to share more about salpingitis. Watch the interview here:

Salpingitis can only occur if the bacteria gain access to a woman’s reproductive system for infection to place. Insertion of an IUD (intra-uterine device), miscarriage, abortion, childbirth, and appendicitis can cause an infection. Lifestyle factors such as engaging in sexual intercourse without a condom, and prior infection with a sexually transmitted disease are also risk factors for contracting salpingitis.

Salpingitis can be diagnosed using a number of tests, including a general examination (to check for localized tenderness and enlarged lymph glands), pelvic examination (to check for tenderness and discharge), blood tests (to check the white blood cell count and other factors that indicate infection), mucus swab (a smear is taken to be cultured and examined in a laboratory so that the type of bacteria can be identified) and a  laparoscopy – in some cases, the fallopian tubes may need to be viewed by a slender instrument inserted through abdominal incisions.

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition but may include: antibiotics, hospitalization (including intravenous administration of antibiotics) and surgery, (if the condition resists drug treatment).