Salpingitis

Salpingitis is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes, which are long, thin ducts that connect the uterus to the ovaries.

What is going on in the body?

Usually a woman has two fallopian tubes. Their purpose is to carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, and sperm from the uterus towards the ovary. The inner lining of the fallopian tubes is very delicate and sensitive to any infection. Fluid, pus, or bacteria can easily cause swelling, infection, and damage in them.

The inflammation is called acute when it occurs suddenly. When it lasts for a long period of time, it is called chronic.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Often salpingitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection that rises from the vagina, cervix, or uterus to the fallopian tubes. Possible causes of salpingitis include:

A woman who has sexual intercourse during adolescence, or who has multiple sexual partners, is at a higher risk.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms of salpingitis vary, depending on the cause and severity. They may include:

How is the condition diagnosed?

The diagnosis of salpingitis is based on the symptoms, the medical history, and the personal history. A pelvic exam is usually done to check for tenderness, vaginal discharge, and swelling. The healthcare provider may order additional tests, such as:

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention of salpingitis is not always possible. Practicing safer sex may decrease the risk. Early treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease and other infections helps prevent salpingitis.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Salpingitis can cause many long-term effects, including:

What are the risks to others?

Salpingitis itself is not contagious and poses no risk to others. If the cause is a sexually transmitted disease, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae\ bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact. ',CAPTION,'Gonorrhea in Females');" onmouseout="return nd();">gonorrhea or Chlamydia trachomatis\. Sexually transmitted disease refers to any contagious disease transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. In women, the infection usually occurs in the urinary tract, pelvis, or cervix. The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the uterus. ',CAPTION,'Chlamydia Infection in Females');" onmouseout="return nd();">chlamydia infection, the infection is contagious.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Early and prompt treatment is needed to prevent serious damage and long-term effects from salpingitis. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, bed rest, and pain medications. The woman is often hospitalized so symptoms and treatment can be monitored. If a woman has an IUD, it may need to be removed once antibiotics have been started. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics may be given into a vein in the arm. Surgery may be needed to remove scar tissue or even the fallopian tube. In severe cases, the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries may need to be removed.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, headache, or allergic reactions. Surgery poses a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

For some minor cases of salpingitis, no further treatment is needed. For more serious disease, treatment may need to continue.

How is the condition monitored?

Close monitoring of salpingitis is needed because of the possible long-term effects. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Written:
Editor:Duff, Ellen, BA
Edit Date:10/09/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:07/05/01

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