Salpingitis is the inflammation of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes extend from the uterus, one on each side, and both open near an ovary. When inflammation occurs, extra fluid secretion or pus collects inside the fallopian tube. Infection of one fallopian tube usually leads to infection of the other. This occurs because the bacteria migrate via the nearby lymph vessels. Salpingitis is one of the most common causes of female infertility. If salpingitis is not promptly treated, the infection may permanently damage the fallopian tube so that the eggs released each menstrual cycle can't meet up with sperm. Salpingitis is sometimes called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Alternative Names of Salpingitis are: pelvic inflammatory disease.

Complications of Salpingitis

Some of the most common complications of salpingitis are:

• Infection to nearby structures, such as the ovaries or uterus
• Infection of sex partners
• An abscess on the ovary
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Infertility

Causes of Salpingitis

In most cases, salpingitis is caused by a bacterial infection. The common types of bacteria that cause salpingitis are: Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. However, it can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Signs & Symptoms of Salpingitis

In mild cases of salpingitis, symptoms may not be present. When symptoms are present, they usually appear after the menstrual period. The most common symptoms of salpingitis are:

• Abnormal color in vaginal discharge
• Abnormal smell in vaginal discharge
• Spotting between periods
• Painful periods
• Pain during ovulation
• Uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse
• Fever
• Abdominal pain on both sides
• Lower back pain
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis of Salpingitis

Your doctor can diagnose salpingitis by: Pelvic examination, blood tests and a mucus swab.

Treatments of Salpingitis

The treatment of salpingitis rests on the administration of antibiotics (often for periods of several weeks). The antibiotics selected are targeted to attack the most likely organism, and often provide broad coverage to include may different possible microbes. The sexual partner should obviously be evaluated, screened and treated appropriately, ensuring compliance with all medication and abstinence from sexual relations during the treatment period so as to prevent re-infection. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but may include:-

• Antibiotics - to kill the infection, which is successful in around 85 per cent of cases.
• Hospitalization - including intravenous administration of antibiotics.
• Surgery - if the condition resists drug treatment.

Prevention of Salpingitis

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.

When to seek Medical Advice

• If you're in your early 30s or younger, most doctors recommend trying to get pregnant for at least a year before having any testing or treatment.
• If you're age 35 to 40, discuss your concerns with your doctor after six months of trying.
• If you're over 40 or have a history of irregular or painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), repeated miscarriages, prior cancer treatment or endometriosis, your doctor may want to begin testing or treatment right away.