The relationship between adnexitis and pelvic inflammatory disease

The relationship between adnexitis and pelvic inflammatory disease

So what exactly does adnexitis mean?

1. Among the female internal reproductive organs, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are called uterine appendages. So strictly speaking, adnexitis refers to inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. However, fallopian tube and oophoritis are often combined with parauterine connective tissue inflammation and pelvic peritonitis, and it is not easy to distinguish them during diagnosis. In this way, pelvic peritonitis and parauterine connective tissue inflammation are also classified as adnexitis.

2. Chronic salpingitis and pelvic peritonitis are mostly caused by incomplete treatment or lack of attention to treatment of acute salpingo-oophoritis and pelvic peritonitis. Chronic inflammation recurs over time, causing pelvic congestion, connective tissue fibrosis, and adhesion of pelvic organs. The most common symptom is distension and pain in the lower abdomen, which often worsens during menstruation or after fatigue. At the same time, there is an increase in leucorrhea, menstrual volume, lumbar pain, and some patients may also have pain. During gynecological examination, the uterus is retroflexed and has poor mobility. Thickened fallopian tubes can be felt next to the uterus, and there is tenderness. If an inflammatory mass is formed, the mass can be felt next to the uterus or behind the uterus during examination, with poor mobility and tenderness.

3. Chronic salpingitis that does not heal for a long time can cause adhesion of the mucosa in the fallopian tube, resulting in blockage of the fallopian tube, secondary infertility, or incomplete blockage of the fallopian tube lumen, increasing the chance of ectopic pregnancy. When the end of the fallopian tube is adhered due to inflammation, hydrosalpinx may also occur, but the patient may not have obvious symptoms.