What can you see in the ultrasound?

If ovarian inflammation is suspected, the gynecologist can examine the lower abdomen using ultrasound. This will reveal whether there is free fluid or pus in the abdominal cavity and the condition of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In the case of pelvic inflammation, the fallopian tubes are thickened, show accumulations of fluid (hydrosalpinx) and the ovaries are enlarged.

How long does ovarian inflammation last?

The duration of ovarian inflammation varies according to its severity and course, and depends on the extent of the infection, the pathogens and the overall condition of the patient. The earlier an ovary inflammation is detected and treated, the faster it heals. Antibiotic therapy takes at least 14 days and should be started immediately after diagnosis.

It is important to strictly follow the instructions for use and not to discontinue the medication too early, as otherwise resistance to certain strains of bacteria may develop. This means that even when the symptoms have subsided, the therapy must be continued to ensure that the inflammation is completely cured. One can therefore roughly estimate that the duration of an ovarian inflammation is about three weeks.

Duration of sick leave

The duration of the period of sick leave for ovarian inflammation depends on the severity and course of the disease. In case of an inpatient stay, one usually has to spend several days in hospital and bed rest at home. As a rule, sick leave is for at least one week.

After that, it depends on how the affected person feels and can easily be prolonged by the treating physician if necessary. Since an inflammation of the ovaries is usually a bacterial infection, the treatment of the pelvic inflammatory disease is primarily done by administering antibiotics. Depending on the extent and severity of the inflammatory processes, a single antibiotic or a combination of several agents can be administered.

In most cases, oral administration of antibiotics in tablet form is completely sufficient to successfully treat the inflammation of the ovaries. However, in case of extensive inflammation or particularly pronounced general symptoms with fever and chills, hospitalization with intravenous antibiotics should be preferred. The bacterial pathogens responsible for the development of inflammation of the ovaries may also cause various sexually transmitted diseases.

For this reason, if the pathogen is detected, the patient’s partner should also be examined and, if necessary, treated with antibiotics. Otherwise, after successful treatment of the woman, the untreated partner can reinfect her. The antibiotic therapy alone is usually effective in the presence of inflammation of the ovaries.

However, if large amounts of pus have accumulated in the area of the ovaries, this treatment method alone may not be sufficient under certain circumstances. Over time, the pus would simply be encapsulated by the organism. As a result, extensive abscesses could develop.

However, antibiotics are only partially able to penetrate the abscess envelope. For this reason, the bacterial pathogens that persist inside an abscess can only be treated ineffectively. In these cases, the abscess cavity must be punctured and the drainage of the pus accumulation must be ensured.

Ovarian inflammation is caused by bacteria and is therefore always treated with antibiotics. The doctor takes swabs from the vagina to identify the pathogen. Detection of the pathogen usually takes several days, but therapy should be started immediately after diagnosis.Therefore, the doctor prescribes a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which is directed against the most likely pathogens (chlamydia and gonococcus (“gonorrhea“)).

In case of a slight ovarian inflammation, the therapy is carried out on an outpatient basis with tablets. If there is no improvement in symptoms after two to three days, the patient must be admitted to hospital and receives antibiotic infusion therapy. In addition, blood cultures are taken in order to determine the pathogen exactly and to be able to initiate a targeted treatment.

In the case of ovarian inflammation, therapy with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs is essential. In addition to the really effective medicines, homeopathic remedies (e.g. Belladonna, Millefolium or Thuja) can be taken. Which homeopathic remedies can be taken depends on the course of the inflammation and should best be clarified with an alternative practitioner.

Old household remedies and natural remedies can only be used in conjunction with a medically prescribed therapy for ovarian inflammation, as only antibiotics can fight the inflammation. An untreated ovarian inflammation can impair the fallopian tube function and lead to infertility, so if there is the slightest suspicion of ovarian inflammation, a doctor or hospital should be consulted immediately. To speed up recovery, measures can be taken to strengthen the immune system.

A diet rich in vitamins and fiber from vegetables and fruit supports the body’s defenses and leads to an improvement in intestinal activity. In addition, the intestinal flora is impaired by the intake of antibiotics and must be rebuilt. Probiotic cultures contain “good” intestinal bacteria and help to regenerate a disturbed intestinal flora.

Certain yogurts contain living lactic acid bacteria and other probiotic cultures. In case of ovarian inflammation, strict bed rest must be observed and any kind of physical exertion must be avoided. In case of acute pelvic inflammation, ice compresses and cool compresses help against the inflammation.

Later, warmth supports healing, so hot-water bottles, warm cherry pit pillows or an electric blanket can be used. Many women wonder whether it is better to warm or cool the abdomen. This depends on the stage of the disease: in the case of acute inflammation, heat is counterproductive and aggravates the inflammation.

Therefore, better cooling ice pads should be used. In the healing phase, when the fever and the worst lower abdominal pain are over, the abdomen can be warmed with the help of hot-water bottles, mud packs or electric blankets. During acute ovarian inflammation, those affected must refrain from sexual intercourse.

Patients who take the contraceptive pill should also use condoms after the inflammation until their next menstrual period, as the pill is rendered ineffective by accompanying symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Ovarian inflammation can also develop during pregnancy and pose a risk to the unborn child. Ovarian inflammation increases the risk of premature birth or miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should consult a gynaecologist immediately at the first signs of inflammation and undergo rapid treatment in case of pelvic inflammation. There are antibiotics that are harmless to the baby and can also be taken during pregnancy.