Risks
An untreated acute inflammation of the ovaries can lead to the development of chronic inflammatory processes under certain circumstances. This can lead to scarring within the abdominal cavity. In the worst case, these scarring can lead to impaired egg cell transport and sterility.
In addition, the inflammation of the ovaries can spread to other abdominal organs and cause long-term damage if suitable antibiotic therapy is not given promptly. The most feared complications of an inflammation of the ovaries include inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis) and the development of abscesses in the area of the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes (tuboovarian abscess). Furthermore, blocking the transport of egg cells through the fallopian tubes is associated with an increased risk of the development of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). This is a potentially life-threatening emergency situation due to the possible rupture of the fallopian tubes.
All articles in this series:
