Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Salpingitis?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

In the female reproductive system, a vital part is the fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus. Damage to these delicate structures may increase risk of tubal pregnancy and compromise fertility. One of the ways such damage can occur is if the fallopian tubes (both or just a single one) become inflamed due to bacterial infection, in a condition known as salpingitis.

There are a few causes of salpingitis. It may occasionally occur after women have an IUD placement or after childbirth if exposure to contaminants occur. More commonly the cause is infection with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of a bacterial nature. These could include common STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. The condition can pose great risk to future fertility and needs prompt treatment.

Salpingitis is usually diagnosed from testing during a gynecological exam.
Salpingitis is usually diagnosed from testing during a gynecological exam.

Most women are unlikely to ignore the symptoms of salpingitis. These include spotting between periods, pain during intercourse, and strong stomach, low back, and pelvic pain. The inflammation may press on the bladder resulting in the need to urinate frequently. Other symptoms may include nausea and/or vomiting, tiredness and a flulike feeling.

Typically salpingitis is diagnosed by testing for bacterial infection and by performing a gynecological exam. In some instances doctors may also want to perform laparoscopy, though this is not always the case. Usually laparoscopy is only indicated if a doctor feels that other conditions might be causing the pain. In most cases, doctors will do cultures of the vagina, cervix or uterus to identify bacteria causing the condition so that antibiotics chosen to treat infection are specific.

Only after both partners have a clean bill of health from salpingitis can sexual activity resume.
Only after both partners have a clean bill of health from salpingitis can sexual activity resume.

When salpingitis is caught early, chances are good that antibiotic treatment can quickly cure the infection and leave no damage. If the condition persists, is ignored, or is not treated, problems can develop. These can include scarring in the fallopian tubes, or development of abscesses that can damage the tubes and cause scarring. If abscesses are present and are large, doctors may need to opt for more aggressive treatment by doing things like draining them.

One symptom of salpingitis is pelvic pain.
One symptom of salpingitis is pelvic pain.

During treatment patients are usually asked to refrain from sex, since this could complicate treatment and cause infection to persist. It’s also important for sexual partners to be tested, since they may be carrying an STD. Both partners need to be given a clean bill of health before sexual activity resumes.

Under some circumstances, salpingitis resists treatment, and antibiotics do not appear to cure it. Though rare, and a circumstance to be avoided if at all possible, sometimes fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or uterus might need to be removed. This can be extremely serious in all cases, but is most difficult for those people who have not yet had children. The best way to avoid this outcome is to get treatment when symptoms are noticed.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon249956

I was told 35 years ago that I had salpingitis. I had two children with one tube lift after they did plastic surgery on it. Then I had a total hysterectomy. I have had internal scar tissue attached to my ribs, back, gi tract and all my insides. I had three surgeries to have it removed over a 15 year period.

Well, it's back. I go to the VA hospital and they won't even look into it. Now what do I do? I can't afford a doctor.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Salpingitis is usually diagnosed from testing during a gynecological exam.
      By: endostock
      Salpingitis is usually diagnosed from testing during a gynecological exam.
    • Only after both partners have a clean bill of health from salpingitis can sexual activity resume.
      By: Poulsons Photography
      Only after both partners have a clean bill of health from salpingitis can sexual activity resume.
    • One symptom of salpingitis is pelvic pain.
      By: staras
      One symptom of salpingitis is pelvic pain.
    • Salpingitis may compromise a woman's fertility.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Salpingitis may compromise a woman's fertility.
    • The fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus, are a vital part of the female reproductive system.
      By: blueringmedia
      The fallopian tubes, which connect the ovaries to the uterus, are a vital part of the female reproductive system.
    • Symptoms of salpingitis may include pain during intercourse.
      By: Coka
      Symptoms of salpingitis may include pain during intercourse.
    • Strong stomach pain may be a symptom of salpingitis.
      By: MediablitzImages
      Strong stomach pain may be a symptom of salpingitis.