Fallopian tube infection is a medical condition known as salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. It can be the result of a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted disease. The fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive organ, serving as a vessel through which eggs are transferred from the ovaries to the uterus. Fallopian tube infection can be mild or severe. It can be treated, but it can have some serious consequences if left untreated for a long time.
This type of infection is the main cause of infertility in women. The bacterial infection usually starts in the vagina and spreads to the fallopian tubes. Several factors could be responsible for the onset of fallopian tube infection. Poor hygiene is a major factor, as is having unprotected sex. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause infection of the fallopian tubes.
Symptoms of fallopian tube infection vary depending on the type of bacteria and the severity of the infection. For example, both chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial diseases that can cause this type of infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhea produce mild symptoms, such as nausea, a burning sensation when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, or vaginal discharge. These diseases can spread rapidly in the reproductive tract, including the fallopian tubes.
An untreated fallopian tube infection can cause permanent damage to the female reproductive tract. This condition can cause a great deal of scarring in the narrow and delicate lining of the uterine wall. Extensive scarring blocks the passageway or opening in the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for eggs to pass from the ovaries to the uterus. When this happens, the woman will become infertile.
Another risk of infection of the fallopian tubes is ectopic pregnancy. When the fallopian tubes are slightly damaged, a fertilized egg could get stuck inside the tube as it tries to make its way through the narrow opening. The egg will begin to develop inside a fallopian tube instead of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to rupture as the growing fetus causes it to expand beyond its capacity. This condition is very painful and can even lead to death from internal bleeding.
A medical professional will perform different types of tests to determine if a patient has a fallopian tube infection. One of the most common tests is to take a vaginal swab and examine it in a laboratory. The result of the test will determine the type of treatment. If the infection is mild, a course of antibiotics will clear up the bacterial infection. If the infection is severe, the doctor may need to perform surgery to fix the problem.