Oophoritis
Oophoritis Causes
Oophoritis is commonly caused by an infection of the fallopian tube called salpingitis. Other possible causes are pelvic inflammatory diseases and/or other infections. Mumps, for instance, can cause oophoritis parotidea. Additionally, there are high risk factors involved, including: unprotected sexual intercourse; multiple sexual partners; high-risk sexual behavior; immunosuppression; recent instrumentation of genital tract; and gynecologic malignancy (particularly in postmenopausal women).
Oophoritis Definition
Oophoritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of either one or both ovaries, usually occurring alongside an infection and possibly affecting female fertility.
Oophoritis Diagnosis
Oophoritis can be diagnosed through: lab tests showing elevated blood cells; urinalysis and urine pregnancy to rule out other possible causes; wet preparation of cervical discharge; and cervical cultures to detect infections. Imaging studies such as pelvic ultrasonography may also help confirm the diagnosis.
Oophoritis Symptoms and Signs
Oophoritis symptoms are similar to general symptoms of pelvic inflammatory diseases, and may include: pelvic pain; lower back pain; fever; side tenderness; as well as tenderness on internal examination. Because oophoritis primarily affects the ovaries, or a pair of reproductive organs that produces eggs in females, oophoritis may possibly lead to infertility in women.
Oophoritis Treatment
Oophoritis can be treated medically or surgically. If medications fail to manage symptoms within 28-72 hours, surgical intervention may be required. Surgical options for oophoritis include: laparoscopy with drainage of the abscess; adnexa removal; as well as total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.