Inflammation of the ovaries (adnexitis): symptoms, cause and treatment

What is ovarian inflammation?

Ovarian inflammation is a bacterial infection of the ovaries. Such an infection of the ovaries must be taken seriously as it can lead to infertility and even become life-threatening if left untreated.

When the ovaries become inflamed, infectious agents have reached the ovary. Both ovaries can be affected, or just one of them. In most cases, the fallopian tubes are also infected. Then one speaks of adnexitis , since the ovaries and fallopian tubes together are referred to in medicine as the adnex (“appendages” of the uterus).

Women aged 16 to 39 are often affected, as they are among the most sexually active and adnexitis can be caused by sexual intercourse, among other things.

Ovarian inflammation symptoms

The symptoms of ovarian inflammation are very different: some women hardly notice them, others have mild to very severe pain. However, such different manifestations are very characteristic of this disease – in addition to mild symptoms, the course of the disease can also be life-threatening. That’s why you should always consult a doctor if you have any suspicions!

We have compiled the most common symptoms that could indicate inflammation of the ovaries here:

• Unilateral or bilateral abdominal pain
• vomiting or nausea
• Pain that extends to the legs or back
• Fever
• Feeling extremely ill or tired
• possible intermenstrual bleeding
• pain during sexual intercourse
• unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge

First symptoms after the last period

The first signs of ovarian and/or fallopian tube inflammation usually appear after the last menstrual period or at the time of ovulation, i.e. in the middle of the cycle. At this point, bacteria can more easily get through the cervix to the fallopian tubes.

At the beginning of the infection, the symptoms can be mistaken for appendicitis or an ectopic pregnancy. In order for the correct diagnosis to be made in good time and the disease to be treated, a doctor’s visit is absolutely necessary.

Causes of ovarian inflammation

Bacteria can get to the fallopian tube and ovaries in a variety of ways. We explain below what these are:

• Ascending infection: In this case, bacteria get through the vagina to the ovaries, for example through sexual intercourse (especially with frequently changing sexual partners and sex without a condom). Another cause can be interventions by doctors such as the insertion of an IUD or a scraping.
• Descending infection:  In this type, a neighboring organ transmits the infection, for example, the bacteria from appendicitis get to the genitals and cause inflammation of the ovary.
• Hematogenous Infection:  In this particular case, the pathogens that cause inflammation are spread through the blood.
• In addition, a weak immune system , a lack of estrogen and diabetes can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries.

How is inflammation diagnosed?

To detect inflammation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries, a gynecologist may do a cervical tenderness test by pressing against the cervix with their fingers. If this movement hurts, an inflammation can be assumed. In addition, a swab from the vagina and the cervix provides clarity, since an analysis can find inflammatory cells.

In addition, a doctor can use ultrasound to detect fluid accumulations such as pus and thickened ovaries. A blood test can also reveal levels of inflammation in the blood. However, if a diagnosis is unclear after all of these methods, a laparoscopy can help.

Treatment and therapy of adnexitis

If adnexitis is recognized in time, it can usually be cured with antibiotic therapy lasting three weeks. In addition, accompanying pain-relieving medication may be prescribed. But not only your doctor, you too can contribute to your health.

• Antibiotic treatment: For drug treatment of ovarian and/or fallopian tube inflammation, an antibiotic is first prescribed, which is determined with the help of an antibiogram. This is the only way to test the sensitivity of the bacteria to certain antibiotics and ultimately find the right remedy. This therapy can last up to three weeks – but is individual from pathogen to pathogen.
• In addition,  anti-inflammatory and pain- relieving drugs  can reduce the symptoms of the inflammation.
• Home remedies: In order to support the healing process, bed rest, drinking a lot and putting on hot-water bottles are also recommended. However, if you suffer from a fever, it makes more sense to cool your abdomen. You can read about home remedies for fever here . You should also practice sexual abstinence for the duration of the treatment (often three weeks).

If these treatment measures do not work, you should definitely consider hospitalization. Talk to your doctor – he will probably recommend that you be admitted to the hospital anyway.

Consequences of ovarian inflammation

If such an infection is not treated, it can lead to blood poisoning or peritonitis – which can be life-threatening. Infertility and an ectopic pregnancy are also possible consequences that can result from the occlusion of the fallopian tubes (as a result of the infection). That’s why you should pay attention to your body and respond to the symptoms listed and see your doctor – for the sake of your health.