Tubal Infection: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
What Is a Tubal Infection?
A tubal infection is caused by the spread of harmful bacteria into the fallopian tubes. This could happen to either tube or both. When these tubes get infected, they become inflamed. This might lead to the blockage of the ducts, which further creates reproductive health issues. Fortunately, patients can find an effective treatment for salpingitis. However, if you delay the care, the damage to your tubes can become permanent. Sometimes, the tubes lose their normal stretchiness. This leads to a long-term complication.
How to Classify Tubal Infections?
A tubal infection could be categorised into two main types:
- Acute salpingitis: In this type of pelvic salpingitis, symptoms are noticeable and intense.
- Chronic salpingitis: This form of salpingitis persists for an extended period. However, the fallopian tube infection symptoms are not very obvious.
What are the Symptoms of Tubal Infection?
Here are some symptoms of tubal infection you might notice:
- You may feel discomfort or ache in the lower abdominal area (pelvic pain).
- There is a chance you may feel feverish. So your body temperature might rise.
- Sometimes women see abnormal vaginal discharge. That means unusual changes in the consistency, colour, or odour of vaginal discharge.
- Feeling discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse is also a common f symptom.
- Some experience changes in their menstrual cycle. You may notice irregularities such as unpredictable bleeding.
What are the Causes of Tubal Infection?
Fallopian tube infection causes include many factors. Some are as follows:
- Salpingitis can be caused by engaging in unprotected sex. This is because a certain type of bacteria can be transmitted this way.
- Having multiple sexual partners can also raise the chances of infection.
- A pre-existing bacterial infection may lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes. These infections include STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- In many cases of salpingitis, untreated or undiagnosed PID may develop into a tubal infection. The inflammatory disease PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) is an infection of the female reproductive organs.
Tubal Infection and Pregnancy
There is a strong link between tubal infection and pregnancy complications. When the fallopian tubes are damaged, it often hinders the egg’s journey to the uterus (womb). This situation may cause infertility. It can also increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy. This is a serious condition where the embryo (fertilized egg) implants (attaches) outside the uterus.
How Can Tubal Infections Be Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis of Fallopian Tube Infection
There is no single definitive test for tube infection. Therefore, your healthcare providers may use a combination of methods to confirm the condition. Such as:
- Medical history review
- Pelvic examination
- Urine and blood tests
- Vaginal or cervical swabs (sample collection using a soft-tipped stick)
- Ultrasound
- Laparoscopy (a small camera surgery to look inside the fallopian tubes)
Treatment of Tubal Infection
Once it is diagnosed, fallopian tube infection treatment involves these methods:
- Antibiotics: These can be administered either orally or intravenously (via the bloodstream).
- Hospitalisation: This happens in severe cases or when oral drugs are ineffective.
- Surgical drainage or repair: This is performed when pus-filled swelling or scarring is present.
- Partner treatment: Doctors suggest this to prevent the recurrence of tubal infection.
- Temporary abstinence: You may be advised to refrain from sexual activity until full recovery.
Closing Note
Salpingitis is a serious public health issue. This is true especially in places where STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing is limited. If a tubal infection is not treated, it can affect your health beyond just fertility. It may lead to serious problems like chronic pelvic pain. In severe cases, it can even cause sepsis, which is a life-threatening spread of infection. Therefore, do not ignore the signs of tubal infection and treat it promptly.