In the modern world, diseases affecting the reproductive function of women are very common. Since the pelvic organs are closely interconnected, disturbances in the work of one of them can lead to the development of pathological processes in the other. One of the most common diseases of the female reproductive system is adnexitis. What causes contribute to the development of this pathology and what are the possible treatment options used in this case, we will analyze in the article.
Definition
Adnexitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the uterine appendages. Women under 30 are more susceptible to the disease. Most often, left-sided adnexitis is diagnosed, which tends to progress rapidly. If left untreated, the chronic stage of the disease can develop, which often leads to infertility. The most common cause of pathology are infections. In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), left-sided adnexitis has a code70.1.
Classification
Specialists divide adnexitis into several stages, which depend on the severity of the symptoms. Consider them in more detail:
- Acute stage. Occurs with the development of an inflammatory process due to infection in the genital organs and a decrease in immunity.
- Subacute left-sided adnexitis. It does not occur as often as other forms of the disease. The signs are similar to those of an acute course, but the symptoms are not so pronounced.
- Chronic stage. It occurs, as a rule, due to an untreated acute form of the disease. It is characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission of associated symptoms. The menstrual cycle is severely disrupted. This stage of adnexitis can lead to infertility.
- Purulent form. Occurs due to the activity of various bacteria. A very dangerous stage of adnexitis requiring immediate treatment.
Reasons
The main reason for the development of left-sided adnexitis is the impact on the genital organs of pathogenic microflora. There are the following ways of penetration of infection to the organs of the genitourinary system of a woman:
- Surgical interventions.
- Ascending path - from the vagina and uterus (for example, with vaginitis).
- Descending - infection comes from the abdominal organs (for example, with appendicitis).
- Through lymph and blood. Diseases that cause adnexitis, getting into the female organs, are syphilis, tuberculosis and others.
To the reasons that provoked the development of left-sided adnexitis,include:
- Abortion.
- Caesarean section.
- Inflammatory processes occurring in a woman's body.
- Hypothermia.
- Intrauterine device.
- Untreated diseases of the reproductive system.
- Decreased immunity.
- Promiscuous sex without protection.
- STDs.
- Prolonged stress.
- Surgical interventions.
- Cold diseases.
- Exchange violations.
- Poor personal hygiene.
Symptomatics
Symptoms of left-sided adnexitis are very diverse and depend on the stage of development of the disease. But in almost all cases, their manifestations will be observed on the left side.
Acute left-sided adnexitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Rise in temperature to high levels.
- Chills.
- Cramping pains localized in the lower abdomen. May radiate to the sacrum.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Excessive sweating.
- Feeling unwell, manifested by headaches and muscle pain.
- When pressing on the stomach, pain is felt.
- Presence of pathological discharge.
The chronic stage of the disease is characterized by the development of the following manifestations:
- Pain during intercourse and bowel movements.
- Irregular menstruation.
- Purulent discharge.
- Aching pain in the bottombelly.
- Painful periods.
- Stool disorders.
- Stomach tense.
- Inability to get pregnant.
- Depressive states.
Exacerbation of chronic left-sided adnexitis is manifested by a slight increase in pain and deterioration of well-being.
Diagnosis
When signs of left-sided adnexitis are detected, the diagnosis will be aimed at confirming the diagnosis and identifying the provoking factor. Timely diagnosis is very important, because the symptoms of adnexitis are similar to the manifestations of many diseases of the female genitourinary system.
First of all, you need to contact a gynecologist, who will collect an anamnesis of the disease, conduct an examination and give recommendations on further diagnostic measures.
To clarify the diagnosis and severity of the disease, a complex of laboratory and diagnostic studies is used. These include:
- Gynecological examination, with which the doctor determines the size and sensitivity of the appendages.
- General analysis of urine and blood will determine the presence of an inflammatory process.
- Taking a smear for bacteriological examination.
- Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs.
- Laparoscopic diagnostics.
- MRI or computed tomography.
- X-ray.
The doctor makes an accurate diagnosis only after receiving the results of all the prescribed tests. After that, an effective plan is drawn up.therapy.
Treatment
First of all, the treatment of left-sided adnexitis will be aimed at suppressing the infection, eliminating complications and restoring the woman's reproductive function.
Therapy is prescribed taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease and the general condition of the patient. The most effective is complex treatment, which includes taking medications, traditional medicine and surgical intervention. With left-sided adnexitis, symptoms and treatment will be interrelated.
Medicated treatment
Therapeutic measures in the early stages of the disease are allowed on an outpatient basis, but acute adnexitis is treated in a hospital setting. Consider the most common categories of drugs used in the treatment of a pathological condition.
- The most effective drugs are antibiotics. They are prescribed individually by the attending physician, taking into account the severity of the disease and the type of infection that contributed to the inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Antihistamines, which help relieve swelling and prevent side effects when taking antibiotics.
- In case of severe pain, the use of painkillers is allowed. But since their intake is not recommended for more than three days, cold is used as an alternative. For this, ice is wrapped in a towel and applied to the site of inflammation. Every half hour it is recommended to do a ten-minutebreak.
In the chronic stage of adnexitis, the above drugs may be added:
- Antivirals.
- Antifungals.
- Vitamin complexes.
- Immunostimulants.
It is worth noting that as a therapy, the doctor may recommend the use of medications in the form of suppositories. After completing the course of treatment, the passage of physiotherapy is shown - vibration massage, ultrasound and others.
Doctors do not recommend getting pregnant until the end of treatment. After a course of prescribed procedures, you need to undergo a second examination to clarify the effectiveness of therapy.
Surgery
The operation can be indicated in cases where other methods of treatment have not brought a positive effect, or if the woman's condition worsens with the development of a purulent process.
The purpose of surgical treatment will be to preserve the childbearing function, remove the purulent focus and adhesions, as well as restore the patency of the tubes. In most cases, the laparoscopic method of surgical intervention is used, which is more gentle. In advanced cases, the doctor may decide to remove the affected organ or part of it.
Traditional medicine and diet
In addition to traditional methods of treatment, it is possible to use traditional medicine that can help relieve inflammation and speed up recovery.
Medicinal herbs used in the treatment of adnexitis are used in the form of infusions and decoctions. The following plants have proven themselves well:
- Upland uterus.
- Rosemary.
- Rosehip.
- Chamomile.
- Dandelion.
- St. John's wort.
- Calendula.
- Oak bark.
It is important to remember that you can use any medicinal herbs only after consulting your doctor.
In addition to the above methods of treatment, it is necessary to adhere to a certain diet that excludes allergenic, fatty, spicy foods. It is recommended to consume vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, dairy products. At the same time, you need to give up sweets, s alty foods and limit the use of coffee, carbonated drinks and muffins.
Complications
First of all, left-sided adnexitis has a negative impact on the reproductive function of a woman. More advanced stages of the disease can lead to infertility. If pregnancy occurs, the probability of its pathological course is high. Complications include ectopic pregnancies or early miscarriages.
With the development of purulent adnexitis, the infection may spread into the abdominal cavity.
Prevention and prognosis
To exclude the development of pathology, it is necessary to adhere to a number of recommendations:
- Systematic visit to the gynecologist.
- Timely treatment of all diseases.
- Maintain personal hygiene.
- Exclusion of stress and hypothermia.
- Using contraceptives.
- Preventionabortion.
- No tight underwear. Give preference to cotton fabrics.
With timely access to a medical institution and timely treatment, the prognosis for left-sided adnexitis will be favorable. Therefore, you need to listen to your body and, if signs of a disease appear, undergo all the necessary tests.
Conclusion
Adnexitis is a disease that, with timely access to a doctor, is quite successfully treated. A woman should constantly monitor her he alth and not neglect scheduled visits to the gynecologist. Preventive measures for this disease are the best solution to prevent the development of the pathological process. If the disease could not be avoided, for a speedy recovery and avoiding dangerous consequences, you must follow all the doctor's recommendations, not forgetting the diet.
