The female body is undoubtedly more complex than the male body, and precisely for this reason, it is also more delicate, since there are several different organs that can be affected by some type of disease or infection.

Infection in the fallopian tubes is a little discussed issue but affects thousands of women every year. Precisely for this reason, we have gathered all the information you need to know about this condition, such as the cause of infection in the fallopian tubes, its main symptoms, treatments, complications, and what to do if faced with this condition. But first, do you know exactly what the fallopian tubes are and what their functions are?

What Are the Fallopian Tubes?

Fallopian tubes, also known as uterine tubes or oviducts, are two tubes that are part of the female reproductive system and are about 10mm in diameter.
They are extremely important for fertilization because they are responsible for collecting the egg and transporting sperm to the egg so that fertilization can occur.

About 25% of cases of female infertility are directly related to problems in the fallopian tubes, as they are one of the most important organs for a woman to become pregnant. It is also in them that the tubal ligation surgery is performed when a woman no longer wants to become pregnant.

With so many important functions in a woman’s body, it’s easy to see why an infection in the tubes can be so concerning. Let’s delve further into how this infection occurs and the reasons behind it.

Why Does Infection in the Fallopian Tubes Occur?

Also known as salpingitis, infection in the fallopian tubes occurs due to bacteria reaching these organs. Both tubes may be affected by the infection, or just one, and this can vary a lot from case to case.

This type of infection is often associated with the bacteria that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia. That is, it can occur due to sexual intercourse, but there are also other factors that cause this type of infection.

When a woman has some infection in the abdominal region, for example, it is possible for bacteria to reach the fallopian tubes and cause the infection. Women who have an IUD (Intrauterine Device) or who have previously undergone some type of surgery in the pelvic region are more likely to develop infection in the tubes.

Types of Infection in the Fallopian Tubes

There are basically two types of infection in the fallopian tubes. They are:

  • Chronic Salpingitis
  • Acute Salpingitis

Let’s discuss each one separately and show their differences.

Chronic Salpingitis

This is the mildest form of infection in the fallopian tubes. Often, a woman may not even realize she has this condition, as the symptoms appear very mildly. This can be dangerous, as this infection can last for years and eventually develop into a more complicated acute salpingitis.

Acute Salpingitis

This occurs when the infection appears more severely, with much more obvious symptoms, and requires more urgent treatment than chronic salpingitis. In very severe cases, the tubes can even rupture, causing generalized abdominal infection, although this rarely happens.

Diagnosis of Infection in the Fallopian Tubes

The diagnosis of salpingitis, or infection in the fallopian tubes, can be made through several types of exams, including:

  • Hysterosalpingography – An exam where several images are taken of the woman’s pelvic region to more precisely analyze the fallopian tubes.
  • Vaginal secretion analysis – Performed to identify possible bacteria. This is one of the main exams to get a more accurate diagnosis of the disease.
  • White blood cell count analysis – Like the PCR protein, these cells tend to increase when there is an infection.

Symptoms of Infection in the Fallopian Tubes

The main symptoms of infection in the fallopian tubes are:

  • Pain when urinating
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Fever above 38°C
  • Vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in color and smell of vaginal discharge

Some of these symptoms may indicate conditions other than infection in the fallopian tubes, so it is always important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and, thus, to undergo the correct treatment.

Treatment for Infection in the Fallopian Tubes

As it is a bacterial infection, the treatment for salpingitis is done with antibiotics. Treatment usually lasts about 7 days, always under medical supervision to see if the body is responding to the medication. Depending on the case, medication use may be extended and the doctor may prescribe stronger antibiotics.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove an organ compromised by the infection, like the ovaries, uterus, or the fallopian tubes themselves.

Possible Complications

If not treated properly, infection in the fallopian tubes can cause a number of complications, including:

  • Hydrosalpinx
  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy

We’ll explain separately how each of these complications occurs and why they are so concerning.

Hydrosalpinx

Hydrosalpinx is nothing more than the accumulation of fluid in one or both tubes. Usually, it is the result of an infection in the fallopian tubes, but it can end up causing a blockage in the tubes or even problems during a possible pregnancy, since this liquid can harm the fetus.

Infertility

A more serious infection in the tubes can make a woman infertile in many ways. The most common is by damaging them to the point that they can no longer perform their functions.

Although methods such as in vitro fertilization theoretically solve this problem, this type of infection can also affect other organs such as the ovaries or uterus, causing them to be damaged and preventing the woman from having children by any means.

Ectopic Pregnancy

This occurs when pregnancy develops outside the uterus, bringing various risks and a high chance that the pregnancy will not succeed. It can occur when an infection in the tubes has damaged them to the point they are unable to successfully transport the fertilized egg to the uterine wall, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This type of pregnancy needs to be treated urgently, since outside the uterus it is impossible for it to be carried to term.

Infection in the fallopian tubes is a serious problem and must be treated as such, but that does not mean it is the end of the world. On the contrary, as we have seen here, there are various ways to identify and treat this condition so your health can be quickly restored.

Of course, it is always recommended to follow all medical guidelines so that recovery is as effective as possible, even if it is not as fast as you would like.

Speed is something that everyone wants nowadays, but it is also something our bodies have not quite adapted to. Be patient and know there is always a way to treat the disease, even if it’s not the fastest.
See also: Blocked or Adhesive Tubes – Is It Possible to Get Pregnant Like This?
Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture