A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

How does Pelvic Inflammatory Disease occur ?

The bacteria can get to the tubes in different ways. The infection may start in the vagina and go up through the womb into the tubes. This is a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. The infection may start in the womb following an abortion. It may also follow natural pregnancy or miscarriage. It is possible for salpingitis to be spread from appendicitis. It can be quite difficult to tell which infection a patient has. Salpingitis may be brought in the bloodstream from an area of infection elsewhere. Tuberculosis can do this but it is very rare. Very occasionally salpingitis may follow an operation such as a dilation and curettage (D & C) or laparoscopy (telescopic examination through the navel).

Why does Pelvic Inflammatory Disease occur ?

Sexually transmitted infections are the most important cause of salpingitis. The more sexual partners, the greater the risk of infection. The intrauterine contraceptive device (coil) increases the risk. Barrier methods of contraception, especially the condom, reduce the risk. A woman is at greater risk of infection at the time of a period. A suspected appendicitis in a young woman should be treated quickly. This reduces the risk of the infection damaging the tubes. Any abnormal bleeding after any sort of pregnancy should be checked. If part of the pregnancy or afterbirth has not come away, it causes bleeding and infection. A D & C will need to be done.

Treatment Involved for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The acute, severe case needs to be in hospital. Antibiotics are given in an intravenous drip. It may be necessary to do a laparoscopy to make sure of the diagnosis. Occasionally an operation may be needed to drain the abscess. Less severe cases may still need hospital treatment. Antibiotics and painkillers will be given. You will be discharged when the pain and temperature have subsided. If an abscess forms in one tube and the other is normal, the infected tube may be removed. Sometimes episodes of pain keep recurring. If the woman wants no more children, a hysterectomy may be done and both tubes removed.

After Treatment for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Unfortunately salpingitis often recurs and may become quite a chronic condition. The risks of recurrence can be reduced by using barrier contraception and having one sexual partner. The coil and unwanted pregnancies should be avoided. If attacks continue to recur it may be something which women have to learn to live with. There is a risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility in the future.

If Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is Left Untreated

The longer the infection is neglected, the greater the risk of permanent damage to the tubes. The infection could spread outside the tubes and cause adhesions of the bowel. Prompt treatment of the acute infection reduces the risk of infertility.

Effects on Family of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Salpingitis can be very distressing if it becomes a chronic problem. A marriage needs to be very strong if intercourse is often painful and if fertility is reduced. It helps if a wife and husband can see the doctor together to discuss the problems.