Alteration in which one or both fallopian tubes are blocked and dilated due to an build-up of fluid inside, usually as a result of a previous infection.
It is caused by chronic infections of the fallopian tubes, which in most cases are caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Other causes include previous surgeries (particularly fallopian tube surgeries), pelvic adhesions, intrauterine devices (IUDs) used as a contraceptive method, endometriosis, and a history of ectopic pregnancy.
Although a large number have no symptoms and this is in most cases an incidental finding, it is characterized by chronic or recurrent pelvic pain, intermittent abdominal discomfort and infertility.
It is diagnosed by medical questioning, physical examination and additional tests such as gynaecological ultrasound.
Treatment is usually done by laparoscopic surgery, whereby the affected tube is removed or occluded to prevent the fluid from reaching the uterus and can negatively influence if pregnancy is desired. If there is suspicion of infection, antibiotics will be given.
- Jeffrey F Peipert, MD, PhD, Tessa Madden, MD, MPH. Long-term complications of pelvic inflammatory disease. Uptodate. Oct 13, 2016.
- Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep 2015; 64:1.
- So per DE. Pelvic inflammatory disease. Obstet Gynecol 2010; 116:419.
- Kawwass JF, Crawford S, Kissin DM, et al. Tubal factor infertility and perinatal risk after assisted reproductive technology. Obstet Gynecol 2013; 121:1263.
- Chung SD, Chang CH, Hung PH, et al. Correlation Between Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e1878.
