Adnexitis in women
“Don’t sit in the cold – you’ll get cold ovaries!”. This phrase is familiar to many girls since childhood. Indeed, one of the factors in the development of adnexitis in women is hypothermia. This gynecological disease often occurs in women of childbearing age.

What is adnexitis

Adnexitis in women is an inflammation of the uterine appendages (ovaries, tubes, ligaments). According to statistics, more than 50% of women go to the doctor with this particular pathology, and every fifth woman with identified infertility or ectopic pregnancy has previously undiagnosed adnexitis.

The inflammatory process, as a rule, begins in the mucous membrane of the fallopian tube and spreads to other membranes, including the integumentary epithelium of the ovaries. Inflammation of the tubes and ovaries can occur in isolation, but this is very rare. Due to the fact that these processes have a common pathogenesis and symptoms, they are united by the common name “salpingoophoritis” (salpinx – pipe, oophoron – ovary), or more simply “adnexitis” – from the Latin word “adnexa”, that is, appendages.

“Without treatment, adhesions may form and the patency of the fallopian tubes may be impaired, which can eventually lead to infertility,” says obstetrician-gynecologist Alexander Plekhanov. – The process can be unilateral or bilateral, according to the course of the disease, acute and chronic forms are distinguished. It happens that in the initial phase, adnexitis in women occurs without pronounced symptoms, and the woman writes off the malaise for premenstrual syndrome or a cold, drinks painkillers on her own. Or he suspects thrush or colpitis in himself, and acquires vaginal suppositories for their treatment. But such self-activity is unacceptable. Treatment of adnexitis requires, first of all, complex therapy and antibacterial as prescribed by a doctor. Even hospitalization is possible.

What you need to know about adnexitis

Synonyms of adnexitissalpingoophoritis
Where does it hurt with adnexitisin the abdomen
Symptomsfever, chills, unusual vaginal discharge
Complicationsectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, infertility, peritonitis, sepsis

Causes of adnexitis in women

The causes of any inflammatory process are the causative agents of infectious diseases. In the case of adnexitis in women, these can be:

  • conditionally pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli, Escherichia, staphylococcus, streptococcus, enterococcus, etc.);
  • pathogenic microorganisms, most often sexually transmitted (gonococci, chlamydia, mycoplasma, pale treponema, herpesviruses), as well as tuberculosis, diphtheria bacilli (rare, but found).

In some cases, the infection can be mixed.

Risk factors for the development of adnexitis in women are:

  • medical and diagnostic manipulations on the pelvic organs;
  • surgical interventions on the pelvic organs and their complications;
  • prolonged presence of intrauterine contraception (spiral);
  • lack of treatment of other gynecological diseases (colpitis, cervicitis, endometritis, etc.);
  • transferred infectious diseases;
  • hypothermia, decreased immunity, stress;
  • frequent change of sexual partners;
  • non-compliance with personal hygiene.

It is believed that the most “popular” age when referring to a doctor with adnexitis in women is 20 – 35 years. Subsequently, due to a change in lifestyle and a more responsible approach to one’s own health, the frequency of calls decreases.

Symptoms of adnexitis in women

There may not be a pronounced clinic of the disease. However, it is necessary to note any changes in the work of the body:

  • pain in the lower abdomen of a different nature;
  • temperature increase;
  • atypical vaginal discharge (with an unpleasant color, odor, altered consistency);
  • menstrual disorders, pain during menstruation;
  • urination disorders, pain, pain during urination;
  • indigestion, lack of appetite, nausea;
  • chills, weakness, lethargy;
  • soreness during intercourse, decreased libido.

These symptoms are common to many diseases. Therefore, it is important not to write off their appearance as “overwork, a cold, the age is not the same.” At least once a year, an examination by a gynecologist is mandatory for every woman, and if such symptoms appear, contact a doctor immediately! Even if the diagnosis of adnexitis in women is not confirmed, it is necessary to establish the cause of the ailment.

Treatment of adnexitis in women

Depending on the course of the disease, treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis or in a hospital. Recovery will take at least 2 to 3 weeks, preferably including physiotherapy during the recovery phase.

The treatment is complex. This is mainly antibiotic therapy, taking into account the test for the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor. If a sexually transmitted infection is detected, treatment of the sexual partner is also necessary. In complicated cases, surgical interventions are possible (removal of exsuadate, dissection of adhesions).

Diagnostics

The first step in diagnosing adnexitis in women requires a thorough history taking. Since the symptoms of this disease are also characteristic of other pathologies, it is necessary to find out if various gynecological interventions preceded the onset of the disease: installation of an intrauterine device, diagnostic curettage, complicated childbirth, operations on the pelvic organs, and others.

The next steps are gynecological examination, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, which includes:

  • Smear not the microflora of STI;
  • sowing on microflora and sensitivity to antibiotics;
  • colposcopy;
  • Ultrasound or MRI of the pelvic organs;
  • general clinical blood test;
  • general urine analysis.

According to the indications: diagnostic laparoscopy (examination of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis using an endoscope inserted through the anterior abdominal wall), hysterosalpingography (HSG) with contrast (introduction of a contrast agent into the uterine cavity and tubes for X-ray diagnosis of their condition).

Modern treatments

Unfortunately, many patients ignore the doctor’s prescriptions and do not pay enough attention to the recommendations that are designed to generally improve well-being and increase the body’s vitality. However, along with taking antibacterial drugs for adnexitis in women, it is also recommended:

  • physical and mental rest;
  • balanced diet;
  • drink plenty of water.

It is mandatory to restore a healthy microflora of the vagina and intestines. It is possible to prescribe drugs for immunocorrection, adaptogens (ginseng, eleutherococcus, etc.), as well as a course of hormonal contraception lasting 3-6 months.

Physiotherapy procedures, especially for chronic adnexitis in women, and spa treatment can be a good addition.

Prevention of adnexitis in women at home

It is necessary, if possible, to eliminate all risk factors and take a responsible attitude to your health. Dress appropriately for the weather, do not overcool. Try to lead a healthy lifestyle, observe hygiene, especially during menstruation, protect yourself when changing sexual partners. Choose gentle methods of abortion or other intrauterine manipulations.

Once every six months, visit a gynecologist and be sure to complete the treatment of any identified disease! Many women sin in that immediately after the relief of the symptoms of the disease, they stop treatment until the next exacerbation.

Popular questions and answers

Answered questions about adnexitis obstetrician-gynecologist Alexander Plekhanov.

What are the complications of adnexitis?

There are many of them, ranging from menstrual irregularities to peritonitis and sepsis. Most often, this is an adhesive process in the small pelvis, chronic pelvic pain. Naturally, when it comes to the gynecological health of a woman, the consequence of any disease can be both infertility and ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortions and other complications of pregnancy.

What drugs are used to treat adnexitis?

All groups of drugs can be used as antibacterial therapy: penicillins, fluoroquinalones, cephalosporins, macrolides, and others. The choice is made by the doctor depending on the individual tolerance of the woman. Symptomatically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have analgesic and antipyretic effects can be prescribed. All other drugs – at the discretion of the doctor.

Is it possible to treat adnexitis with folk remedies?

Adnexitis in women cannot be cured with folk remedies. This is an inflammatory disease of the pelvic organs, the cause of which is an infection. Treatment involves mandatory antibiotic therapy. Cabbage or potato juice will not defeat harmful bacteria. As a general tonic or bathing agent, the use of herbal remedies can be discussed with your doctor.

Does acute adnexitis in women always turn into chronic?

In the absence of treatment, or incomplete aftercare – yes. It does not go away on its own, exacerbations will occur throughout life.

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