Fallopian Tube Infection

There are two fallopian tubes in the female reproductive system. These fallopian tubes, also known as uterine tubes, salpinges and oviducts, which are very fine tubes that are lined with ciliated epithelia. The fallopian tube connects the ovaries to the uterus through which the egg (or ovum) passes through it. These tubes also play an important role during fertilization. Like the rest of the systems are present in the body, the fallopian tubes also get infected due to various reasons. The infection in fallopian tube is called salpingitis, which is one of the most common causes of infertility in females. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is another name given to salpingitis. There are two types of infection, depending on the severity of symptoms - acute and chronic salpingitis. In acute fallopian tube infection (or salpingitis), the fallopian tubes become swollen and inflamed and excrete a fluid which makes the walls to stick together. The fallopian tubes may also get bloated and filled with pus. This condition can result in blocked fallopian tubes. In very rare cases, the tubes may rupture and cause a dangerous infection, called peritonitis, in the abdominal cavity. If the inflammation is chronic, then it may even be long-lasting with the symptoms being milder than the acute salpingitis symptoms and hardly noticeable. The symptoms of salpingitis need prompt attention, and failure to treat them in time, may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes.

Salpingitis Causes

The first stage of infection is usually formed in the vagina and slowly spreads upwards towards the fallopian tube. Since the infection spreads through the lymphatic vessels, if one fallopian tube is infected, it may spread to the other fallopian tube as well. The most common cause of infection is the growth and spread of harmful bacteria like Streptococcus, Mycoplasma and Staphylococcus. Another major cause of this infection is the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc. The complications of contracting this infection include ectopic pregnancy, infection that may spread to the nearby organs like the ovaries and the uterus etc. it may also lead to the formation of scar tissue in the fallopian tubes, which may block the tubes completely. The formation of pus in the ovaries can also lead to complications like the production of malformed eggs (or ova) hence leading to infertility.

Fallopian Tube Infection Symptoms

When the infection is mild in nature, the symptoms are mostly absent. The symptoms become prominent and are noticeable after the menstrual cycle. Some of the symptoms noticed are similar to that of gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease). Given below are some symptoms of infection in the uterine tubes;

• Abnormal color and smell (usually yeasty odor) of the discharge from the vagina
• Experiencing discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse
• Frequent urination
• Feeling of uneasiness, nausea and vomiting
• Fever and severe headache
• Spotting between periods
• General bodily weakness
• Pain during menstruation
• Severe abdominal pain on both sides, especially in the lower abdominal region
• Pain during ovulation
• Lower back pain

Treating Fallopian Tube Inflammation

The methods for treating fallopian tube infection depends on the severity and cause of the symptoms. You may be told to undergo a pap smear test, mucus swab and blood tests in order to determine the severity of the infection. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and kill the bacteria. In severe cases the patient may have to undergo surgery to clear fallopian tube blockage and remove infected parts to inhibit the spread of infection.

In order to forestall infection in the oviducts and other organs of the reproductive system , take precautionary measures to prevent the occurrence of STDs. Consult your gynecologist as soon as possible if you notice any abnormalities or mild symptoms that you may notice due to fallopian tube infection. Take care!