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What Is a Fallopian Tubes Infection?

Esther Ejim
Esther Ejim

Fallopian tubes infection is a medical condition known as salpingitis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. It might be the result of bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted disease. The fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive organ, and they serve as a vessel through which eggs are transferred from the ovaries to the uterus. An infection of the fallopian tubes might be mild or severe. It can be treated, but it might have some serious consequences if it is left untreated for long.

This type of infection is the leading cause of infertility in women. The bacterial infection usually starts in the vagina and spreads inward toward the fallopian tubes. Several factors might be responsible for the onset of fallopian tubes infection. Poor hygiene is a major factor, as is engaging in unprotected sex. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia also might cause an infection.

A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes.
A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes.

The symptoms of fallopian tubes infection vary with the type of bacteria and the severity of the infection. For instance, both chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial diseases that can lead to this type of infection. Chlamydia and gonorrhea produce mild symptoms such as nausea, a burning sensation while urinating, lower abdominal pain or vaginal discharge. These diseases can spread rapidly in the reproductive tract, including the fallopian tubes.

A vaginal swab can be taken to test for fallopian tube infection.
A vaginal swab can be taken to test for fallopian tube infection.

An infection of the fallopian tubes that is left untreated might cause permanent damage in the female reproductive tract. This condition can cause a great deal of scarring in the narrow, delicate lining of the wall of the uterus. The extensive scarring blocks the passage or opening in the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for eggs to pass from the ovaries to the uterus. When this happens, the woman will become infertile.

A fallopian tubes infection that is left untreated my cause permanent damage in the female reproductive tract.
A fallopian tubes infection that is left untreated my cause permanent damage in the female reproductive tract.

Another risk from fallopian tubes infection is ectopic pregnancy. When the fallopian tubes are only slightly damaged, a fertilized egg might become stuck inside as it tries to navigate its way through the narrow opening. The egg will start to develop inside a fallopian tube instead of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy might cause the fallopian tube to rupture as the growing fetus causes it to expand beyond its capacity. This condition is very painful and might even lead to death from internal bleeding.

An infection of the fallopian tubes may be mild or severe.
An infection of the fallopian tubes may be mild or severe.

A medical professional will conduct different types of tests to determine whether a patient has a fallopian tubes infection. One of the most common tests is to take a vaginal swab and examine it in a laboratory. The result of the test will determine the type of treatment. If the infection is mild, a course of antibiotics will clear the bacterial infection. If the infection is severe, the physician might have to perform surgery to fix the problem.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

My cousin had this from an STD she got from her cheating husband. She also had an ectopic pregnancy and had to have the tube removed. That's when the doctor found the infection.

She had suspected he was messing around, and she knew she hadn't been, and the tests confirmed the inflammation was from an STD, not some other kind of infection. Needless to say, she divorced him.

Because he cheated on her with some skank, she didn't know to get tested, and it nearly took her life. She also wasn’t able to get pregnant again. All because of a cheating husband.

Grivusangel

I've heard of all sorts of pelvic infections, but I never really thought about the fallopian tubes getting infected! That's just something that never crossed my mind.

I am glad antibiotics can clear up most infections. It's a good warning to remember for women who are sexually active and not necessarily monogamous, or have a non-monogamous partner, to use condoms faithfully, every time they are intimate. Even that's not a 100 percent guarantee a woman won't get an infection, but it certainly does cut down on her chances of getting one from an STD. Taking any available precautions is always the best idea.

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    • A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes.
    • A vaginal swab can be taken to test for fallopian tube infection.
      By: Sven Bähren
      A vaginal swab can be taken to test for fallopian tube infection.
    • A fallopian tubes infection that is left untreated my cause permanent damage in the female reproductive tract.
      By: 9nong
      A fallopian tubes infection that is left untreated my cause permanent damage in the female reproductive tract.
    • An infection of the fallopian tubes may be mild or severe.
      By: michaeljung
      An infection of the fallopian tubes may be mild or severe.
    • An untreated fallopian tube infection may lead to infertility.
      By: Monkey Business
      An untreated fallopian tube infection may lead to infertility.
    • Fallopian tubes can be affected by pelvic inflammatory disease.
      By: joshya
      Fallopian tubes can be affected by pelvic inflammatory disease.
    • An ultrasound may be used to investigate pain caused by a fallopian tube infection.
      By: acherst
      An ultrasound may be used to investigate pain caused by a fallopian tube infection.