Duration

The duration of inflammatory processes in the area of the fallopian tube varies greatly. It depends on the severity of the inflammation, possible involvement of neighboring organs and the underlying pathogen spectrum. Inflammation of the fallopian tube can subside spontaneously and last only a few days, but often the inflammation causes little or no discomfort, which is why, in the absence of therapeutic measures, the inflammation can last for weeks or months. The timely start of a pathogen-specific antibiotic therapy has a significant influence on the duration of an inflammation of the fallopian tubes. Antibiotics are taken for an average of three weeks, but can take longer if the therapy is unsuccessful.

Complications

An untreated or insufficiently treated inflammation of the fallopian tubes can develop into a chronic inflammation of the fallopian tubes. In the course of chronification, the inflamed tissue is converted into scars and connective tissue. This leads to a permanent or temporary closure of the fallopian tubes, with additional fluid accumulating in the fallopian tubes (hydrosalpinx), which leads to further damage to the tissue.

In connection with inflammatory changes in the fallopian tubes, one often speaks of adhesions (see: Fallopian tube adhesions). The risk of sterility (infertility) increases and becomes more and more probable without treatment measures. The risk of an ectopic pregnancy is also significantly increased.

Furthermore, if the inflammatory processes of the ovaries are not treated, an inflammation can occur in the entire pelvis, which can have serious consequences. These life-threatening complications include peritonitis and intestinal obstruction. Possible symptoms of a chronic inflammation are varying dull pain in the lower abdomen area or complaints during sexual intercourse.

An inflammation of the fallopian tubes, especially if the infection lasts for a long time and there is no treatment, can have numerous consequences. Due to the female anatomy and the close proximity of other organs, the inflammation can spread to surrounding structures. For example, inflammation of the ovaries and inflammation of the uterus, especially with its frequently affected endometrium.

The full picture of a pronounced inflammation of several reproductive organs is known as pelvic inflammatory disease. Perihepatitis (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome), i.e. an adhesions of the liver capsule and peritoneum, can also occur. This is often accompanied by right-sided upper abdominal pain.

In addition, it can lead to the formation of encapsulated pus accumulations. The pathogens can also spread through the bloodstream and infect other, more distant organs. In such cases one speaks of sepsis, which is to be classified as potentially life-threatening.

Another relatively frequent and very dreaded complication is an unfulfilled desire for children due to infertility. This often results from inflammatory adhesions of the fallopian tube, which then becomes obstructed neither for sperm nor for the ovum that has broken. Mild adhesions and still partial passage of the fallopian tube increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies, so-called ectopic pregnancies.A chronic, i.e. long-lasting inflammation of the fallopian tubes can occur in several ways.

On the one hand, in many cases the inflammation that has been caused can be asymptomatic or completely without symptoms. This makes an early medical presentation and drug treatment impossible, which can lead to chronicity. In addition, even in the case of symptomatic inflammation of the fallopian tubes, the symptoms are often so unspecific that many women dismiss them as harmless and do not seek gynecological advice, which in turn leads to a protracted course of the disease and thus allows the transition to a chronic stage of inflammation. In addition, incorrect antibiotic therapy with too low a dose or insufficient coverage of all pathogens involved can lead to chronicity in the case of a mixed infection.