Ovarian Inflammation

Technical term

Adnexitis

Synonyms

inflammation of the ovaries

Synonyms in a broader sense

Oophorosalpingitis

Definition

Ovarian inflammation (pelvic inflammatory disease) is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of inflammatory processes in the ovaries. However, the term “pelvic inflammatory disease” in medical terminology usually refers to a combination of inflammation of the ovaries (ovaries) and the fallopian tube (tuba uterina). Many of the classic gynecological diseases manifest themselves by the appearance of very similar (or even identical) symptoms.

Both malignant growths and inflammatory processes in the area of the female genitals are usually accompanied by significant pain symptoms and irregular vaginal bleeding. Inflammation of the ovaries can theoretically occur on one or both sides. Acutely developing inflammation of the ovaries causes significant pain in the area of the lower abdomen.

In the absence of treatment and the resulting scarring, the symptoms can persist for years even after the pelvic inflammation has healed. This phenomenon is known as “chronification”. An acute inflammation of the ovaries has developed into a chronic impairment.

However, once the inflammation of the ovaries has become chronic, the pain felt by the affected patients no longer has a persistent character. Rather, the typical symptoms in the lower abdomen are recurrent (always returning). Affected women often report a direct connection between pain symptoms, sexual intercourse and menstrual bleeding.

Typically, the pain caused by an inflammation of the ovaries is not limited to the lower abdomen alone, but radiates into the back. Inflammation of the ovaries is generally one of the most common gynecological clinical pictures and should be treated promptly. In most cases, those affected are young, sexually active women.

The age peak for the occurrence of an inflammation of the ovaries is between 16 and 24 years. The frequency usually decreases with increasing age. In addition, inflammatory processes in the area of the ovaries occur significantly less frequently after the birth of a child.

What are the signs?

The symptoms of ovarian inflammation can be very diverse. The leading symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease (= medical term) is pain in the lower abdomen, which can radiate into the entire abdomen up to the back. As a rule, the pain is difficult to localize and occurs on both sides, as both ovaries are usually inflamed.

The lower abdomen is extremely sensitive to pressure and feels swollen and tense. In the case of acute ovarian inflammation, in addition to the severe pain, flu-like symptoms such as a general feeling of illness and high fever can occur. Adnexitis is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.

Patients have a bloated feeling in the abdomen, and constipation and diarrhoea often alternate. There is also bleeding outside the period and strong vaginal discharge. The discharge from the vagina can also be purulent and sometimes smelly.

Furthermore, pain may occur during sexual intercourse and urination. The symptoms of ovarian inflammation are not always entirely clear and in some cases the disease proceeds without symptoms. In addition to antibiotics, the doctor will also prescribe medication that is anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving.

In order to reduce the pain, those affected must maintain strict bed rest and should not exert themselves physically. Furthermore, sexual intercourse is not allowed. Hot-water bottles should not be used in the acute phase, as they can exacerbate an inflammation.