Is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes contagious?

Among the possible pathogens of an inflammation of the fallopian tubes are for example bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract, some others belong to the spectrum of pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases. These include in particular gonococci, the pathogens of gonorrhea (also: gonorrhea), as well as chlamydia. The latter two are mainly transmitted via sexual intercourse.

For this reason, sexual abstinence must be observed in the case of a diagnosed inflammation of the fallopian tubes in order to prevent re-infection for the duration of the antibiotic therapy. In addition, the partner should also introduce himself to a doctor in order to have a microbiological smear taken and, if the result is positive, also start a drug therapy. To prevent infection, the use of condoms is strongly recommended. In addition, the recommended gynecological check-ups should be taken advantage of in order to diagnose a possible infection at an early stage.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an inflammation of the fallopian tubes, or inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, can be quite different. For example, an infection can be without severe symptoms or can be associated with severe pain. The degree of severity of the symptoms is variable, which sometimes means that an inflammation of the fallopian tubes is not immediately recognized as such.

Quite often, however, sufferers suffer from severe, sudden pain in the lower abdomen on both sides, accompanied by a general feeling of illness (fatigue, tiredness, weakness). The abdominal wall is often under tension and is extremely sensitive to touch and pressure in the lower abdomen. A rise in temperature, or fever, can accompany the lower abdominal pain and the general feeling of illness.

Lubricating bleeding and an increased and foul-smelling discharge (fluorine) from the vagina can also occur. Furthermore, there may also be complaints during sexual intercourse, a so-called dyspareunia, irregularities in stool behaviour such as diarrhoea (diarrhoea) or constipation (constipation), flatulence (meteorism) and pain when urinating (dysuria). Regardless of whether the inflammation of the fallopian tubes causes only mild or severe symptoms, treatment is indispensable.

If an acute inflammation of the fallopian tubes is not treated adequately, it can develop into a chronic inflammation of the fallopian tubes. The chronic stage is characterized by dull lower abdominal pain, which can occur on one or both sides and usually increases in intensity when sitting down. Adhesions can cause discomfort during sexual intercourse for some of the patients affected.

A distinction is made between different courses of inflammation of the fallopian tubes. The acute, sub-acute and chronic stages are subdivided. The acute, i.e. suddenly appearing symptoms include unilateral abdominal pain, which can indicate the affected fallopian tube.

Depending on how pronounced the inflammation is and whether neighboring organs are affected, the entire abdomen can also become painful and hard, which is then called the acute abdomen. Other symptoms can include fever, fatigue and a severe feeling of illness. In the subacute stage, the symptoms are milder and also more unspecific.

A slight feeling of pressure on the affected side may occur in the lower abdomen, and painfulness during palpation may also occur. Fever is unlikely to occur. Chronic inflammation of the fallopian tubes can be almost completely asymptomatic or, similar to a subacute course, be accompanied by unspecific symptoms.

These include back pain, flatulence and constipation. Pain can also occur during sexual intercourse. Each stage can change smoothly into another.Other possible signs of an inflammation of the fallopian tubes can be stronger or prolonged bleeding during the period.

There may also be increased vaginal discharge, which may also be altered in its consistency, color and odor. The first indications of an inflammation of the fallopian tubes result from questioning the patient. The affected persons complain of existing lower abdominal pain and a general feeling of illness.

In some cases, other symptoms such as pain when urinating, vaginal discharge and diarrhoea are also described by the patients. This is followed by a physical examination of the patient. In the majority of patients, a bilateral pressure pain in the lower abdomen can be detected, which is a first indication of an existing inflammation.

A defensive tension may also be present during the examination of the lower abdomen. During the gynaecological examination (speculum examination), the cervix and vaginal area can be examined and smears can be taken to detect the pathogen. In the advanced stage of an inflammation, the fallopian tubes and possibly also the ovaries can be enlarged and palpable with a firm, elastic touch.

Furthermore, an ultrasound examination is extremely helpful in making a diagnosis. In the case of an inflammation that has existed for a longer period of time, an accumulation of fluid in the lumen of the fallopian tubes, a thickening of the fallopian tubes and free fluid in the free abdominal cavity can be seen. With the help of a blood sample, inflammation values in the blood can be found which would indicate an existing inflammation of the fallopian tubes or the appendages.

Typical inflammatory parameters include an increase in white blood cells (leukocytes), an increase in C-reactive protein, also known as CRP, and an accelerated sedimentation rate, often referred to as BSG. If a clear picture cannot be obtained from all these examination methods, an MRI of the abdomen can be made, which may reveal indications of inflammation in the lower abdomen. Furthermore, an abdominal or pelvic endoscopy (laparoscopy or pelviscopy) can provide important information or serve as evidence of inflammation of the fallopian tubes. In the course of a endoscopy, a direct smear is taken from the fallopian tubes and then examined for pathogens.