OVARIAN INFLAMMATION

OVARIAN INFLAMMATION 

MAIN SYMPTOMS: 

Inflammation of the ovaries is an acute or chronic pathological process that affects the female sex glands and causes a disruption in their normal functioning. Quite often, pathology is accompanied by damage to the fallopian tubes - in such situations, the disease is called salpingo-oophoritis or adnexitis. 

The provocateurs of the disease are often considered to be a previous infectious-inflammatory disease of the organs of the female reproductive system, the presence of STDs. There are a number of other unfavorable sources. 

Symptoms of ovarian inflammation will differ depending on the course of the disease, but in general, the clinical manifestations are non-specific: pain in the lower abdomen, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, menstrual disorders. 

The diagnosis process is based on a gynecological examination and the results of instrumental examinations. These include diagnostic laparoscopy, which often turns into medical. Laboratory tests are only auxiliary. 

The treatment of pathology in most situations is conservative and is limited to oral administration and local use of medications, but in some situations surgical intervention is indicated. 

ETIOLOGY

Often, an inflammatory lesion of one or both ovaries becomes a consequence of the penetration of pathogens into the organs of the female reproductive system. 

The most common infectious agents are: 

• E. coli ;
•  fungi of the genus Candida; 
• streptococci ; 
• cytomegalovirus ;
•  chlamydia ; 
• pale treponema; 
• staphylococcus ; 
• pathogens such as gonorrhea , tuberculosis , trichomoniasis , mycoplasmosis .

Pathogens can enter the ovaries in several ways: 

• lymph flow; 
• blood flow;
•  vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes, cervical canal - in the presence of venereal or inflammatory diseases;
•  during medical procedures; 
• with prolonged use of the intrauterine device.

Inflammation of the ovaries is often caused by ignoring the symptoms or the complete lack of treatment for diseases of the reproductive system. This category of causes includes: 

• vulvovaginitis ; 
• adnexitis ;
•  Bartholinite ;
•  endometritis ; 
• bacterial vaginosis ; 
• STDs

Causes of ovarian inflammation in women without a pathological basis: 

• multiple abortion (multiple abortions);
•  improper use of the intrauterine device;
•  prolonged hypothermia;
•  previously transferred diagnostic or surgical procedures on the genitals; 
• reduction of both general and local immunity; 
• presence in the history of the disease of the inflammatory process in the fallopian tubes, uterus or cervical canal, large intestine, appendix, bladder and abdominal cavity;
•  injury to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus; 
• necrosis caused by malignant or benign neoplasms;
•  frequent vaginal douching;
•  irrational use of antibacterial substances;
•  hormonal imbalance ;
•  non-compliance with personal hygiene; 
• promiscuous sex life; 
• unprotected sex;
•  childbirth, especially the first; 
• prolonged effect of stressful situations.

During the course of the inflammatory process in the ovaries, an infection from the uterus slowly spreads to the fallopian tubes, first involving the mucous layer in the pathology, followed by muscle and serous tissues. The uterus thickens and lengthens, and inflammation causes pus to be released and adhesions form. 

After the ovaries are involved in the pathology - their tissues are melted under the influence of pus that has accumulated in the uterus. Soldering of the modified uterus and ovaries occurs, therefore clinical pictures of oophoritis and salpingitis are almost the same. 

CLASSIFICATION 

The inflammatory process with localization in the ovaries can occur in several forms: 

• Acute - the duration varies from 5 to 15 days, and the main clinical sign is pain syndrome in the lower abdomen; 
• subacute
•  chronic - when the treatment of the acute variant is completely absent, the inflammation will proceed for many years with alternating phases of exacerbation and withdrawal of symptoms.

Symptoms of chronic forms are often hidden, which greatly complicates the process of establishing the correct diagnosis. It is extremely rare that chronic inflammation forms immediately, without the acute or subacute stage. 

Depending on the location of inflammation is: 

• unilateral - inflammation of the right or left ovary occurs;
•  bilateral - both segments are involved in the pathological process.

SYMPTOMATOLOGY 

Clinical manifestations, depending on the presence of acute or chronic oophoritis, will differ slightly. For example, in the first case, the first symptom will be lower abdominal pain: 

• arching;
•  pulsating; 
• stabbing; 
• aching.

Soreness may radiate to the lumbar region, sacrum and perineum. Increased pain occurs during exercise or during sexual intercourse. 

Signs of acute ovarian inflammation: 

• increase in temperature indicators up to 39 degrees; 
• severe chills; 
• general malaise;
•  bouts of nausea; 
• discomfort during intimacy; 
• painful periods;
•  the appearance of bleeding between periods;
•  cramps and burning during bladder emptying;
•  mucous and purulent discharge from the vagina;
•  increased blood pressure ;
• violation of heart rate;
•  frequent mood swings; 
• depressed state ; 
• pain on palpation of the projection of the ovaries.

Ovarian inflammation

Chronic inflammation of the ovaries is characterized by the following symptoms: 

• violation of the menstrual cycle;
•  dull and aching pain in the lower part of the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity - the pain syndrome spreads to the groin area, tends to increase before the onset of menstruation, with hypothermia or physical exhaustion;
•  discomfort during sexual intercourse; 
• reduced attraction to the opposite sex; 
• scant but persistent discharge of white from the vagina;
•  fatigue and irritability; 
• sleep disturbance;
• infertility; 
• slight increase in temperature;

During periods of exacerbation of the chronic phase, the symptoms of inflammation of the ovaries in women fully correspond to the acute form of the disease. 

DIAGNOSTICS 

The clinical picture is non-specific, the diagnostic process must necessarily be an integrated approach. The basis of the diagnosis is instrumental examinations, but it is imperative that the procedures are complemented by laboratory tests and initial examination. 

The clinician should: 

• study the history of the disease - to detect a disease that could lead to inflammation; 
• collect and analyze life history - to clarify the effect of hypothermia or other predisposing factors that do not have a pathological basis;
•  conduct manual and instrumental gynecological examination;
•  palpation of the lower abdomen - there is an increase in the ovaries; 
• measure the temperature, blood tone and heart rate; 
• question a woman in detail for the time of appearance and severity of symptoms.

Among the most informative laboratory studies worth highlighting: 

• ultrasonography of the pelvic organs;
•  hysterosalpingoscopy; 
• diagnostic laparoscopy.

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women

Inflammation of the left ovary or the right should be differentiated from such pathologies: 

• ectopic pregnancy ; 
• inflammation of the appendage of the cecum; 
• endometriosis ; 
• ovarian cyst ;
•  peritonitis .

TREATMENT

The elimination of oophoritis is often conservative. During the course of an acute inflammatory process, patients are shown: 

• bed rest; 
• putting cold on the lower abdomen;
•  taking painkillers and desensitizing drugs;
•  antibacterial therapy;
•  the use of sulfonamides, calcium chloride and fortifying substances;
•  physiotherapy and balneotherapy.

Treatment of chronic inflammatory lesions of the ovaries is carried out with the help of such physiotherapeutic procedures: 

• magnetic therapy;
•  electrophoresis;
•  laser therapy; 
• phonophoresis; 
• ultrasound; 
• acupuncture.

Antibiotics for chronic inflammation of the ovaries are indicated in such situations: 

• frequent recurrences of a chronic inflammatory process;
•  lack of medication in acute or subacute;
•  exacerbation of inflammation during physiotherapy.

The list, than to treat inflammation of the ovaries, includes such options: 

• hirudotherapy; 
• mud therapy; 
• gynecological massage;
•  radon baths;
•  immunomodulatory pills.

Treatment of folk remedies, involving the preparation of medicinal decoctions and infusions, which can not only be drunk, but also used for douching and as a basis for therapeutic tampons, is not excluded. 

The most effective herbs are: 

• boron uterus; 
• Badana roots; 
• ginseng;
•  wormwood; 
• nettle; 
• bloodroot;
•  juniper;
•  field horsetail; 
• centaury; 
• thyme; 
• coltsfoot;
•  cranberry, lingonberry and rowan leaves;
•  chamomile;
•  ginger; 
• althea root; 
• yarrow; 
• knotweed; 
• tributary;
•  marigold; 
• Linden; 
• Melissa;
•  Hypericum

For douching for inflammation of the ovaries, it is common to use: 

• juniper berries; 
• centaury; 
• coltsfoot;
•  lapchatka; 
• badan;
•  root of thorns; 
• daisy;
•  dog rose

Medical tampons or candles with inflammation of the ovaries are soaked in broths based on such plants: 

sage; 

chamomile;

Oak bark; 

aloe juice;

calendula; 

sea ​​buckthorn.

In some cases, with inflammatory lesions of the ovaries, the treatment will be surgical in nature - oophorectomy or adnexectomy will be performed. Indications for surgery are the inefficiency of conservative methods, the appearance of complications. 

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS 

In the absence of timely treatment, oophoritis can cause such undesirable consequences: 

• chronic inflammation; 
• the spread of infection to other organs of the urogenital system; adhesions in the pelvic area;
•  obstruction of the fallopian tubes ;
•  inability to have children;
•  impaired functioning of the affected organ;
•  pyosalpinx or hydrosalpinx ;
• pelvioperitonitis ; 
• violation of the menstrual cycle ; 
• decreased libido.

Often, patients are interested in the question of whether it is possible to become pregnant with inflammation of the ovaries. The answer will be positive only in the absence of functional and hormonal changes. It is worth remembering that while carrying a child there is a risk of spontaneous abortion. Inflammation of the ovaries in women can cause a complication such as an ectopic pregnancy. 

PREVENTION AND PROGNOSIS 

In order to avoid problems with how to cure inflammation of the ovaries, you should follow these simple rules of prevention: 

• maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle;
•  complete exclusion of casual sex;
•  engaging in protected sex only — to prevent STDs;
•  preventing hypothermia;
•  lack of physical and emotional fatigue;
•  intimate hygiene; 
• use of intrauterine device only under the supervision of the attending physician;
• timely elimination of any gynecological pathologies; 
• regular visits to the gynecologist - at least 2 times a year.

The prognosis of oophoritis is relatively favorable. Symptoms of inflammation of the ovaries are pronounced, so patients in time seek qualified help, and the disease poses no threat to life. However, due to non-specific symptoms, the likelihood of complications is high.