Patient's question:
Doctor, hello. I am 32 years old this year, and I have always been in good health. Since I had an abortion last year, I have experienced many health issues, such as increased vaginal discharge with a bad odor, occasional lower abdominal pain that comes and goes, irregular menstruation with a very heavy flow and a long duration, and a constant feeling of exhaustion. When I went to the hospital for a check-up, the doctor diagnosed me with chronic adnexitis, which has been very distressing.Doctor's answer:
(1) After childbirth or miscarriage, due to a weakened immune system, pathogens can ascend through the reproductive tract and spread to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and then the entire pelvic cavity, causing adnexitis.(2) During the widespread use of intrauterine devices (IUDs), adnexitis may occur if patients neglect personal hygiene or if surgical procedures are not performed strictly.
(3) Gynecological inflammation is exacerbated by hysteroscopic procedures such as aspiration, hysterosalpingography with iodized oil, cervical canal treatment, and obstetric surgeries performed with inadequate sterilization.
(4) Neglecting menstrual hygiene, such as sexual intercourse during menstruation or with unclean partners, is a major cause of adnexitis.
(5) When infections in other parts of the body are not treated promptly, pathogens can spread through the bloodstream to cause tubo-ovarian abscess, often associated with tuberculosis.
(6) Inflammation in nearby pelvic or tubal organs, such as appendicitis, can directly spread to cause tubo-ovarian abscess or pelvic peritonitis, typically affecting one side of the fallopian tube and ovary.
(7) Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonorrhea, can lead to tubo-ovarian inflammation if Neisseria gonorrhoeae spreads upward along the mucous membranes.