Salpingitis

Inflammation of a fallopian tube, commonly caused by infection spreading up from the vagina, cervix, or uterus. The infection is usually a sexually transmitted one, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydial infection. Salpingitis is also a feature of pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and fever. Pus may collect in the tube, and a pelvic abscess may develop. Diagnosis is by examination of vaginal discharge, or laparoscopy. Treatment is with antibiotics. Surgery may be needed if an abscess has formed. If the infection damages the inside of the fallopian tubes, infertility or an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy may result. In some cases, damage to a tube can be corrected surgically.