Salpingitis

The fallopian tubes extend from the uterus, one on each side, and both open near an ovary.

During ovulation, the released egg (ovum) enters a fallopian tube and is swept along by tiny hairs towards the uterus.

Salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tubes

Almost all cases are caused by bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia. The inflammation prompts extra fluid secretion or even pus to collect inside the fallopian tube. Infection of one tube normally leads to infection of the other, since the bacteria migrates via the nearby lymph vessels.

Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Without prompt treatment, the infection may permanently damage the fallopian tube so that the eggs released each menstrual cycle can’t meet up with sperm. Scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes is the most frequent long-term complication of and so this condition can sometimes be referred to as PID.

However, the umbrella term of PID includes other infections of the female reproductive system, such as the uterus and ovaries.

In milder cases, salpingitis may have no symptoms

This means the fallopian tubes may become damaged without the woman even realising she has an infection. The symptoms of salpingitis may include: the symptoms usually appear after the menstrual period. Salpingitis is usually categorised as either acute or chronic.

In acute salpingitis, the fallopian tubes become red and swollen, and secrete extra fluid so that the inner walls of the tubes often stick together. The tubes may also stick to nearby structures such as the intestines. Sometimes, a fallopian tube may fill and bloat with pus.

In rare cases, the tube ruptures and causes a dangerous infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).

Chronic salpingitis usually follows an acute attack

The infection is milder, longer lasting and may not produce many noticeable symptoms. In nine out of 10 cases of salpingitis, bacteria are the cause. Some of the most common bacteria responsible for salpingitis include: streptococcus.

The bacteria must gain access to the woman’s reproductive system for infection to take place.

The bacteria can be introduced in a number of ways, including: appendicitis

Lifestyle factors that significantly increase a woman’s risk of contracting salpingitis include: prior infection with a sexually transmitted disease.

Without treatment, salpingitis can cause a range of complications, including: Further infection - the infection may spread to nearby structures, such as the ovaries or uterus. Infection of sex partners - the woman’s partner or partners may contract the bacteria and become infected too. Tubo-ovarian abscess - about 15 per cent of women with salpingitis develop an abscess, which requires hospitalisation.

Ectopic pregnancy - a blocked fallopian tube prevents the fertilised egg from entering the uterus. The embryo then starts growing inside the confined space of the fallopian tube. The risk of ectopic pregnancy for a woman with prior salpingitis or other form of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is around one in 20.

Infertility - the fallopian tube may become deformed or scarred to such an extent that the egg and sperm are unable to meet.

After one bout of salpingitis or other PID, a woman’s risk of infertility is about 15 per cent. This rises to 50 per cent after three bouts.

Diagnosing salpingitis involves a number of tests, including: mucus swab - a smear is taken to be cultured and examined in a laboratory so that the type of bacteria can be identified 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: surgery - if the condition resists drug treatment.

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

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(formerly Michigann AIDS Council) Tel. , St Kilda Tel. , Wodonga Tel. 1800MyOptions Tel: is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Symptoms of salpingitis abnormal vaginal discharge, such as unusual colour or smell spotting between periods dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) pain during ovulation uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse fever abdominal pain on both sides lower back pain frequent urination nausea and vomiting Types of salpingitis Causes of salpingitis chlamydia gonococcus (which causes gonorrhoea) mycoplasma staphylococcus sexual intercourse insertion of an IUD (intra-uterine device) miscarriage abortion childbirth Lifestyle risk factors of salpingitis engaging in sexual intercourse without a condom Complications of salpingitis Diagnosis of salpingitis general examination - to check for localised 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 Treatment for salpingitis antibiotics - to kill the infection, which is successful in around 85 per cent of cases hospitalisation - including intravenous administration of antibiotics Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Your school nurse or school welfare coordinator Some secondary schools provide access to an adolescent health trained GP on site Your local community health service Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952 Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre (616) 555-0200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (616) 555-0200 Michigann Sexual Health Network – where to get tested – visit Grand Rapids Sexual Health Centre’s GP partner clinics for STI check-ups and treatment Thorne Harbour Health (616) 555-0200 or 1800 134 840 The Centre Clinic (616) 555-0200 Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre (616) 555-0200 PRONTO (616) 555-0200 Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 Or (616) 555-0200 Gateway Health Clinic 35 (616) 555-0100 or 1800657 573 Sunraysia Community Health Services (616) 555-0200 Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic (616) 555-0200 1800 696 784.

Key Points

• Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility
• In milder cases, salpingitis may have no symptoms
• symptoms of salpingitis may include: the symptoms usually appear after the menstrual period
• In rare cases, the tube ruptures and causes a dangerous infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis)
• infection is milder, longer lasting and may not produce many noticeable symptoms