Oophoritis - what is it? Causes and treatment of oophoritis

Today many women face the diagnosis of "oophoritis". What it is? What are the causes of this disease? How dangerous is the disease? Are there effective methods of treatment? What should I fear? The answers to these questions will be useful and interesting to each of the fair sex.

Oophoritis: what is it?

Oophoritis is an inflammatory disease of the ovaries. In fact, this disease is often diagnosed in young women of reproductive age. It should be noted that the inflammatory process can be localized both in one and at once in two ovaries. It is accompanied by oophoritis with pain, discomfort and irregularities in the work of the reproductive system.

In the absence of timely and proper treatment, the inflammatory process acquires a chronic form. By the way, quite often the disease affects the uterine tubes (acute or chronic salpingitis and oophoritis).

The main causes of the disease

The cause of ovarian inflammation in most cases is a bacterial infection. And in modern medicine, a specific and nonspecific oophoritis is isolated. The causes of specific inflammation are the causative agents of various venereal diseases. For example, inflammation of the appendages can develop against the background of chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, tuberculosis, mycoplasmosis, etc.

Nonspecific inflammation is associated with the activation of opportunistic microflora. Against the background of a decrease in immune defense, the inflammatory process can be caused by the rapid reproduction of staphylococci, Escherichia coli, streptococci and even fungi of the genus Candida.

Are there risk factors?

Certainly, some women are more prone to such a disease. Why? First of all, the risk group includes patients leading a promiscuous sexual life, as frequent changes of partners and the refusal of appropriate protection increases the likelihood of developing sexually transmitted diseases.

As for nonspecific inflammatory processes, there are risk factors here. In most cases, the activation of opportunistic bacteria occurs against a background of local or systemic reduction in the level of immune defense. Therefore, women with various chronic inflammatory diseases are more prone to such a disease.

Hormonal imbalance also affects the immune system. Therefore, the risk factors include diseases of the endocrine system, uncontrolled intake of hormonal contraceptives, as well as an artificial termination of pregnancy.

The disease can be the result of inflammation of the urogenital system. Right-sided oophoritis often develops against the background of infection of the intestine, in particular, the blind appendix (appendix).

On the other hand, the state of the immune system is affected by malnutrition, constant stress, emotional and mental overstrain, as well as hypothermia of the body. The negative effect of smoking is also proved, since substances that enter the body together with the cigarette smoke change the chemical composition of the mucous plug of the cervical canal, thereby reducing the resistance of the reproductive system.

What are the symptoms of acute inflammation?

Acute oophoritis is accompanied by severe symptoms. A sharp increase in body temperature occurs. Along with the fever, there are other signs of intoxication - general malaise, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, chills, aches in the body.

A very characteristic symptom is a strong, sharp pain in the lower abdomen, which often gives in the lower back or the sacrum. Soreness can be very intense. Signs can also include frequent urination, accompanied by a cutting pain in the urethra. Naturally, sex acts are also accompanied by severe discomfort.

In addition, with oophoritis, there may be abundant serous or purulent discharge from the vagina. Some women also complain of mild bleeding, which is not related to menstruation.

Sometimes the infection passes to the organs of the digestive system - in such cases, there may be abnormalities on the part of the intestine.

In any case, the acute form of the disease requires urgent hospitalization. Treatment, as a rule, is carried out in a hospital.

Subacute form of the disease and its features

Subacute oophoritis is a rare phenomenon. In most cases, the cause of this form of the disease is the causative agent of tuberculosis or mycosis infection.

The clinical picture for this type of disease resemble acute oophoritis. But the symptoms, as a rule, are not so distinctly expressed.

Left- and right-sided inflammation: features of the clinical picture

As already mentioned, inflammation can affect both one and both ovaries. Depending on the location of the inflammatory process, left-sided oophoritis, right-sided and bilateral inflammation are isolated. The overall clinical picture looks approximately the same, but some differences still exist.

For example, right-sided oophoritis is accompanied by sharp pains on the right side, which is reminiscent of the clinical picture with appendicitis. Therefore, in the process of differential diagnosis, the doctor must necessarily exclude the possibility of inflammation of the appendix.

In turn, the left-sided oophoritis is accompanied by pain on the left side. But quite often the infection from the affected ovary spreads quickly to the tissues of the uterine tube, and from there to another ovary. Inflammation of two appendages at once is a bilateral oophoritis. Pain with this form of the disease is localized in the lower abdomen, lower back and often gives into the sacrum.

Chronic oophoritis: what is it?

Chronic form of the disease, as a rule, develops in the absence of proper treatment. It is characterized by periodic exacerbations, which are followed by periods of relative well-being of the organism.

In the acute phase, women tend to complain of aching and dull pain in the lower abdomen. Soreness can spread to the groin and vagina and intensify with hypothermia. In addition, oophoritis chronic bilateral (most often the inflammation covers just two ovaries) is accompanied by a violation of the normal menstrual cycle. There is also a decrease in sexual desire.

Moreover, a constant, albeit not strong, discomfort affects the psychoemotional state of the patient. Women, as a rule, suffer from increased fatigue and problems with sleep. Against the backdrop of chronic illness, mental and physical performance is also reduced, there is irrational irritability.

Are complications possible?

There are many complications, to which - in the absence of correct and timely treatment - leads to oophoritis. What it is? What are the consequences of the disease? First of all, it should be noted that the inflammation of the appendages often affects the work of the reproductive system.

As already mentioned, chronic salpingitis and oophoritis often lead to the formation of adhesions in the fallopian tubes. In turn, impaired patency affects the menstrual cycle and often causes infertility. Influences of the inflammation can also include disorders of the menstrual cycle, including heavy bleeding, the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge, soreness during menstruation. Other disorders are possible, including anorgasmia, decreased libido, a violation of the normal synthesis of hormones in the ovaries. Also increases the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy.

In addition, oophoritis ovary can affect the work of other organ systems. In particular, the infection can easily pass to the organs of the genitourinary system, which leads to the development of cystitis, pyelonephritis, etc. It is not excluded and the development of infectious diseases of the intestine. On the other hand, the inflammation of the uterine appendages is reflected on the hormonal background, which in turn leads to malfunctions in the nervous and endocrine systems.

Oophoritis chronic bilateral can also provoke the formation of purulent tumor of the uterine appendages. This complication often leads to complete removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries and, accordingly, infertility.

Modern diagnostic methods

This disease has a similar picture with different diseases. That is why a thorough diagnosis in this case is extremely important. First of all, a gynecological examination is carried out, during which the doctor can determine the increase in the ovaries, impairment of their mobility, and also soreness. In addition, the gynecologist collects a complete history, including information about the symptoms, previously suffered from infectious and inflammatory diseases, abortions, etc.

Standard tests also include urine and blood tests, as well as a smear from the urethra and the vagina. With inflammation, you can notice an increased number of white blood cells. Examination of samples taken from the vagina helps to identify a type of infection. In some cases PCR diagnostics are additionally carried out.

Oophoritis of the ovary can also be determined during ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. If suspected of chronic inflammation, patients are prescribed hysterosalpingoscopy. Nevertheless, the most informative method of diagnosis is laparoscopy, in which the doctor has the opportunity to carefully inspect the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. A similar examination is prescribed in controversial cases, as well as in the absence of the effect of treatment or prolonged, chronic inflammation.

Medicinal treatment of salpingo-oophoritis

Immediately it is worth noting that only a doctor knows how to treat oophoritis. The question of hospitalization of the patient is solved individually - acute inflammation is better treated in a hospital. The patient is shown strict bed rest and adequate nutrition.

In the first few days, ice is applied to the lower abdomen. Obligatory is antibacterial therapy - antibiotics are also selected individually, depending on the nature of the pathogen and its sensitivity to these or other drugs. Pain relief uses pain medications, and sometimes sleeping pills. The use of multivitamin complexes and immunomodulators helps to increase the body's resistance, which speeds up the recovery process.

Other treatments

Of course, for the treatment of oophoritis, especially when it comes to its chronic form, various physiotherapy procedures are also used. In particular, the therapy may include electrophoresis with amidopyrine, salicylic acid and other drugs. Also widely used UHF and magnetotherapy, UV-irradiation, inductotherapy, treatment with pulsed currents of low frequency.

If there is an accumulation of pus or exudate in the pelvic area, a puncture is performed, during which the doctor removes the liquid. To consolidate the result, patients are recommended to sanatorium-and-spa treatment, in particular, therapy with the use of medicinal mud, mineral waters, etc.

Are there effective methods of prevention?

Preventive measures include timely diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Women are advised to undergo a scheduled gynecological examination at least once every six months and take tests. Naturally, it is necessary to avoid casual sexual contacts.

Also, do not forget about the state of the immune system. Proper nutrition, hardening, lack of bad habits, regular physical activity - all this will positively affect the condition of the whole organism. In any infectious or inflammatory disease, the patient must undergo appropriate therapy.

Women who have already suffered some inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs recommend sanatorium treatment.

Traditional methods of treatment

Undoubtedly, alternative medicine offers a lot of resources that can cope with inflammation. In particular, decoctions of sage, chamomile, linden and oak are widely used for syringing. To make home medicine you need to mix two parts of linden flowers and three parts of chamomile flowers. Six tablespoons of the resulting mixture of herbs pour a liter of water and bring to a boil over low heat. After the broth cools, strain the liquid. You can use the medicine for douches and warm baths. The procedure should be repeated daily for two weeks.

Nevertheless, in no case should not abandon conservative treatment. Medicinal herbs can only be used as an auxiliary. Acute oophoritis is a very dangerous disease, so do not risk your health.