The inflamed ovaries can result in quite uncomfortable symptoms for women, such as constant fever, pain in the lower belly and pain when urinating and during intimate contact, for example, in addition to making it difficult for the pregnancy to happen.
Inflammation in the ovary, known scientifically as oophoritis or ovaritis, is usually caused by bacteria that affect the woman's reproductive system, but it can also happen when there is a lack of control in the immune system, which starts to attack the ovaries themselves.
How to tell if the ovary is inflamed
Inflammation of the ovary can result in some symptoms, the main ones being:
- Constant fever above 37.5º C; Nausea and vomiting; Pain in the lower belly; Pain when urinating or during intimate contact; Vaginal discharge or bleeding outside the menstrual period; Difficulty getting pregnant.
However, as these symptoms are common to other diseases such as endometriosis or inflammation of the tubes, it is important to consult the gynecologist to identify the correct cause and start the appropriate treatment.
Main causes of inflammation
Inflammation in the ovaries is usually caused by bacteria, which can affect only one or both ovaries, and is called bilateral oophoritis when it affects both.
When inflammation is caused by the destruction of ovarian cells by the body's own immune system, the disease is called autoimmune oophoritis. Chronic oophoritis, on the other hand, is characterized by recurrent infection in the ovaries, and when untreated it can cause changes in the menstrual period and infertility.
In addition, oophoritis can also occur as a result of a mumps complication.
How to treat inflammation
Treatment for inflammation in the ovaries is usually done using antibiotics prescribed by the gynecologist, such as Amoxicillin or Azithromycin, for about 8 to 14 days.
However, the doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen, remedies for motion sickness, such as Metoclopramide, or pain relievers, such as Paracetamol, to help relieve the symptoms that arise with inflammation.
In the case of chronic inflammation or when the woman also has inflammation of the tubes, hospitalization may be necessary to use medicines through the vein. In the most severe cases, the doctor may also recommend surgery to treat the problem, which may include the removal of the ovaries.
Inflammation of the ovaries can also be confused with inflammation of the uterus, so see what are the most frequent symptoms in this case.
