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:
pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID),
or widespread infection in the organs of the pelvis
sexually transmitted diseases, often gonorrhea or chlamydia infection
medical procedures, such as
laparoscopy, insertion of an
IUD, biopsy of the lining of the
uterus, or a dilatation and curettage (D&C)
childbirth, miscarriage, or
abortion
bacteria that are normally found in the vagina
A woman who has sexual intercourse during adolescence, or who has multiple
sexual partners, is at a higher risk.
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