Inflammation of the ovaries: symptoms, causes, treatment

Sciatica, or sciatica, is irritation in the back, lower back, legs, or buttocks. Discomfort manifests itself as a sharp and aching pain. Most often, inflammation worries people over 30 years of age. A quarter of the world's population complains of back pain, of which 20% are cases of inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

The nerve itself is one of the largest in the human body. It is he who has increased sensitivity and becomes inflamed more often than others. The reason is simple - the sciatic nerve is responsible for the mobility of the lower extremities, that is, for walking, running, squatting and other movements performed daily.

Inflammation of the sciatic nerve is a serious matter that requires immediate treatment. The nerve originates in the pelvic area and extends to most parts of the lower body. It covers the area from the lumbar region to the foot, which is half of the human body.

Symptoms of ovarian inflammation

Symptoms of this disease include:

• aching, nagging pain in the lower abdomen that occurs when the body is overcooled, as well as during menstruation;
• pain during sex.

Later, when the disease develops, the above symptoms are also added such as:

• chills;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• a sharp increase in body temperature to 38-39 ° C;
• intense pain radiating to the lower back;
• copious vaginal discharge that appears clear.

In particularly severe cases, nausea and vomiting may also occur. Chronic inflammation of the appendages contributes to increased pain sensations, as well as their range. Therefore, symptoms of adnexitis (inflammation of the ovaries) may include pain in the lower abdomen, groin, sacrum and vagina.

Chronic inflammation can be accompanied by sexual dysfunction, menstrual disorders, miscarriages and the development of ectopic pregnancy.

Symptoms of inflammation of the sciatic nerve

• Swelling at the site of inflammation
• Redness of the skin near the nerve
• Sharp shooting pains in the lower extremities. Usually the pain is mobile - goes from top to bottom
• Discomfort in the buttocks, thighs, lower legs or lower back
• Difficulty in movement - a person cannot straighten up. In this case, it is better to remain tilted, so the pain will be felt less
• Increased body temperature. Most often it does not exceed 38°C
• Weakness of muscles

Inflammation affects not only external organs, but also internal ones. The functioning of the genitourinary and digestive systems is disrupted. For example, involuntary urination may occur. In men, such injury leads to decreased libido.

If you ignore the symptoms of inflammation, they may disappear over time. However, they will quickly return and get worse if left untreated.

Causes of this disease

The infection can enter the body through sexual intercourse (during sexual intercourse from an infected partner). In this case, microorganisms enter the appendages, after which they cause an inflammatory process. This could be chlamydia, gonococci, mycoplasma or trichomonas. Those women who are promiscuous, as well as those who continue sexual activity immediately after childbirth or abortion, are susceptible to such inflammation.

Also, this disease causes the activity of microflora located in the woman’s body or entered into it through non-sexual means (activation of autoinfection). Streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli penetrate the appendages, after which they cause inflammation. As a rule, they cause other types of inflammation, but for some reasons (for example, a general decrease in immunity, the presence of other diseases in the body: dysbacteriosis, sinusitis and even ordinary caries) this microflora can become aggressive.

Why is this disease dangerous?

Inflammatory processes in the appendages can disrupt the integrity of the epithelium of the fallopian tubes, resulting in adhesions that make the fallopian tubes impassable. And this, in turn, leads to infertility.

Factors that can cause inflammation

These include:

• promiscuous sex life, lack of contraception, frequent change of partners;
• stress, poor and irregular nutrition, overwork;
• hypothermia: in no case should you neglect a hat in severe frost; you should not wear nylon stockings and tights in the cold season;
• using a heating pad when pain occurs: this will only provoke further development of inflammation;
• advanced diseases: sore throat, gastritis, untreated caries, dysbacteriosis.

What to do if symptoms appear? It should be remembered that treatment should only be carried out by an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs are a fairly large group of microorganisms that are mostly conditionally dangerous. In relatively small quantities, they create a certain “ecology” in the vagina, being part of its microflora. This flora also includes microorganisms that act as orderlies. They prevent the reproduction of the above-mentioned opportunistic flora. But in case of decreased immunity, the balance is disturbed and vaginal dysbiosis subsequently develops.

A decrease in immunity occurs in the following cases: during exacerbations of chronic diseases; for acute infectious diseases (for example, influenza, ARVI); after emotional stress or against the background of chronic stress that develops over a long period of time. In addition, a decrease in immunity can occur against the background of a sharp climate change or pregnancy.

All sexually transmitted diseases are characterized by their own distinctive features, but all of them are characterized by a chronic course, as well as minor symptoms. In most cases, women do not notice the disease, and only against the background of a common cold do they notice discomfort in the genital area, increased vaginal discharge, vague periodic nagging pain in the lower abdomen and itching.

Chlamydia

What are chlamydia? These are microorganisms that parasitize the epithelial cells of the patient, destroying them.

Infection occurs during sexual contact, not necessarily genital, but also oral or anal. The incubation period averages 7 – 14 days.

There are no problems with the treatment of chlamydia. Correct selection of an antibacterial drug, its dosage, correctly calculated duration of treatment, as well as the patient’s strict compliance with all doctor’s prescriptions (which is very important) will lead to successful treatment. In most European countries, the USA and Russia, the cost of treatment for chlamydia and other hidden infections is much lower than the cost of diagnosis.

Hidden infections are chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma and trichomonas. They are always subject to mandatory treatment, and for both partners, even if only one of them gets sick.

Why does the intestine become inflamed?

There are many causes of intestinal inflammation, it is important to get diagnosed in time and start treatment

Statistics show that in the modern world, up to 92% of the entire world population suffers from inflammatory bowel processes. There can be many reasons for this:

1. Infectious diseases of viral, bacterial, fungal etiology. This may include infection with protozoal infections and salmonellosis.
2. Worm infestation.
3. Poor nutrition: constant overeating, abuse of fried foods, fatty, smoked and spicy foods. Insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals, predominance of fast food in the diet.
4. The development of intestinal dysbiosis as a result of taking drugs or infections.
5. Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the intestinal walls, which impairs blood circulation and causes tissue necrosis.
6. Genetic predisposition to insufficient production of enzymes necessary for normal digestion.
7. Autoimmune diseases, including various allergies.
8. Bad habits: drinking alcohol in large quantities, smoking.
9. Lifestyle – sedentary work, passive rest, lack of exercise, stress.

All these factors cause various diseases that affect the small or large intestine.

Bowel diseases

Diseases that affect the small intestine are called enteritis, which is a general term describing functional disorders and pathologies of the small intestine:

• fermentation disturbance;
• intestinal vascular diseases;
• allergic reactions;
• Whipple's disease;
• dysbiosis.

All these diseases begin with irritation of the mucous membrane lining the intestinal wall; the cause most often lies in poor nutrition or uncontrolled use of various medications.

The inflammatory process can be acute or chronic; pathologies of the small intestine are most often the result of infectious lesions. The reason is food poisoning, lack of hand hygiene, contact with sick animals or people. If there is no treatment, the acute phase of the disease can become chronic and cause various complications, immune and metabolic disorders.

Diseases of the large intestine are called colitis, these include:

Complications

In men, chlamydia causes inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis), and in women it causes cervical disease, inflammation of the epididymis, and tubal infertility. During pregnancy, chlamydia can cause serious pathology of the fetus. It also leads to Reiter's disease (severe damage to the eyes and joints).

Monitoring the results of treatment for chlamydia, as well as other hidden STIs, should be carried out no earlier than 3 weeks after stopping medication. Symptoms may persist for several weeks or even months after successful treatment. As for resuming sexual activity, this is possible only after a follow-up examination of two partners.

Ureaplasmosis

Ureaplasmas are very small microorganisms that do not have and do not need their own cell membrane. This feature allows them to penetrate the cells of the host body, so very often they are not visible to the protective cells of the immune system. Consequently, ureaplasma can exist in the human body for more than 10 years. Note that ureaplasmosis is more common among women than among men.

Ureaplasmas received this name because of their ability to break down urea - ureolysis. That is why ureaplasmosis is a urinary infection; without urea, ureaplasma cannot survive. Very often, ureaplasmosis is associated with diseases of the urinary system, chronic cystitis, urethritis and pyelonephritis.

Ureaplasma is usually transmitted sexually, but it is also possible for a child to become infected during childbirth. The incubation period is approximately 1 month. The further development of the disease depends on the body’s immunity, the presence or absence of other vaginal diseases, etc.

In most cases there are no symptoms. Sometimes patients may complain of more abundant discharge than usual, a burning sensation when urinating, discomfort in the genital area and intermittent nagging pain in the lower back and lower abdomen.

Ureaplasma and pregnancy

Ureaplasma can lead to a destructive process in the appendages and uterus, thereby contributing to the development of complications that can lead to pathologies during pregnancy. That is why during this period it is imperative to get tested for this infection, and if it is confirmed, then undergo treatment.

Ureaplasma does not cause malformations in the fetus. In most cases, infection of the baby occurs during childbirth during the passage of the fetus through the infected birth canal. In addition, ureaplasmosis can cause miscarriage, premature birth, threatened miscarriage and endometritis (one of the postpartum complications).

Treatment during pregnancy is most often carried out at 18-20 weeks.

Treatment of ureaplasmosis

Treatment of this disease must be comprehensive and long-term. First of all, antibacterial drugs are prescribed, but taking antibiotics alone is not enough, since ureaplasma can easily adapt to the effects of antibiotics during treatment. Also used in treatment are drugs that increase general and local immunity; antifungal drugs, since antibiotics can cause thrush. The drug complex also includes drugs that can protect the intestines from the effects of antibiotics.

As for the need to treat a partner if he does not have an infection, this is a controversial opinion. This issue must be resolved by the attending physician and the partners themselves.

During pregnancy, the choice of drugs is limited. Only those drugs that are approved during this period can be used. Antibiotics include Vilprafen, Rovamycin, and Erythromycin.

Symptoms of inflammation

The clinical picture of intestinal inflammation depends on the cause, location and severity of the process. The disease can be mild; if the body is intoxicated, the patient’s condition is often classified as severe and requires emergency care.

Chronic diseases have two phases:

• exacerbation under the influence of provoking factors;
• remission that occurs as a result of treatment or the functioning of the immune system.

Basically, the symptoms differ according to the localization of the process: in the small or large intestine.

Small intestine

Abdominal pain may indicate intestinal problems

Signs of inflammation of the small intestine are as follows:

• loose stools are the most common sign of intestinal infection;
• fever, general weakness are a characteristic symptom of intoxication;
• pain localized in the abdominal area indicates inflammation of the mucous membrane of the small intestine and spasms of smooth muscles;
• rumbling, bloating, discomfort in the navel area;
• nausea accompanied by vomiting is a sign of poisoning or infection;
• the presence of blood in the stool indicates internal bleeding as a result of ulceration of the walls of the small intestine;
• lack of appetite;
• weight loss, an alarming sign, is characteristic of cancer.

As a result of inflammation of the small intestine, the absorption of nutrients, the advancement of food coma, and osmotic pressure are disrupted.

Large intestine

Characteristic signs of the inflammatory process of the large intestine are:

• cramping dull pain in the abdominal area, spasms;
• rectal bleeding that occurs due to ulcers on the walls of the colon;
• constant feeling of fatigue;
• anemia;
• the presence of mucus in the stool;
• joint pain;
• weight loss;
• increased gas formation;
• decreased appetite;
• signs of dehydration with diarrhea.

Oncological processes are often localized in the large intestine, so early diagnosis will allow for surgical treatment and stopping the cancer.

If treatment is not carried out in a timely manner, inflammation of the colon becomes chronic. And this is fraught with various complications:

Gardnerellosis

The disease is not an STD. It is caused by gardnerella vaginalis, and, in fact, gardnerella is a manifestation of vaginal dysbiosis. That is, this is not inflammation in the vagina. That is why this disease is also called bacterial vaginosis.

Unlike other infections, with gardnerellosis the symptoms are pronounced and specific. Symptoms include heavy, thin vaginal discharge that is white or yellowish in color and has a very unpleasant odor, similar to rotten fish. This odor may become stronger during and after menstruation, as well as after sexual intercourse. This disease causes discomfort and burning in the external genital area.

During a gynecological examination, an experienced doctor will be able to immediately make a diagnosis, since the discharge has a slightly foamy characteristic appearance. In some cases, there may be no symptoms, so gardnerella can only be detected during an examination.

Gardnerella is located directly in the vagina. This infection most often does not penetrate further, therefore there are no symptoms such as, for example, pain in the lower abdomen.

Gardnerella and pregnancy

Gardnerella can cause a lot of trouble during pregnancy. It is possible, although very rare, that intrauterine infection may occur. Gardnerella can also cause inflammation of the uterus after childbirth or abortion. That is why bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy must be treated immediately when it is detected.

Gardnerella usually appears in a simple smear on the flora. The PCR diagnostic method is also used to identify them.

Treatment

Treatment is carried out in 2 stages. First, the infection is destroyed, and then the microflora in the vagina is restored.

At the 1st stage, drugs such as flagyl, fasigin, clindamycin, trichopolum are used.

The 2nd stage is longer, it can last 1 month or even more. Here you need to be patient, because... If the microflora is not restored, the disease will return again. Sexual activity during the treatment period is possible, but only if the partners use a condom.

In men, gardnerella “takes root” and does not develop, so treatment of sexual partners is not required.

Human papillomavirus

Recently, this infection has received the attention of most researchers, as well as practitioners. This is due to the fact that the ability of this infection to cause cancer of the genital organs in both women and men has been proven.

Human papillomavirus infection, like many other STDs, very often occurs without symptoms, thereby contributing to its even greater spread in the human body. Not all cases of HPV cause cancer, but almost every case of cancer is caused by HPV.

Currently, more than 120 types of HPV have been identified, 34 of which affect the genitals, as well as the perineal area. Moreover, each virus is responsible only for its own “area”.

How does a person become infected with this virus?

HPV can be transmitted during direct contact of mucous membranes and skin when:

• traditional sexual intercourse (the main route of transmission of infection);
• non-traditional sexual intercourse (anal or homosexual sex). It is also believed that HPV transmission is possible through oral-genital contact;
• during childbirth during the passage of the fetus through the infected genital tract of the mother;
• The household route of transmission is also possible: through hands, bath accessories, dirty clothes.

Factors that provoke the development of HPV

These factors include:

• promiscuity, early sexual activity, a large number of partners;
• repeated abortions;
• the presence of other STDs (chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma);
• smoking;
• chronic diseases of the genital organs (inflammation of the uterus, appendages, vagina);
• anal sex;
• aggravated medical history (cervical cancer in close relatives).

The incubation period ranges from 1 to 8 months. People aged 17-26 years are most often susceptible to HPV infection, which is associated with increased sexual activity at this age. But this does not mean that older people cannot be infected.

Sometimes there are cases that the virus leaves the body on its own, without treatment. This happens most often in young people over 30 years old. If the virus enters the body after 35 years, then the likelihood that it will leave the body on its own is, unfortunately, small.

Forms of infection

This infection can occur in 3 forms:

1. Latent form. It is asymptomatic. In this case, there are no changes or abnormalities, but the infected partner can transmit the infection through sexual contact.
2. Subclinical form. Patients may have the following symptoms: vaginal discharge, a feeling of discomfort and dryness in the external genital area, which intensifies after sexual intercourse, itching, burning. At the same time, an ordinary gynecological examination will not reveal changes in the genital area. They can only be detected through a detailed examination (for example, colposcopy).
3. Clinical form. Finally, the most common symptom of HPV is condylomas. This is a type of wart that is located on the mucous membrane of the genital organs, namely: at the entrance to the vagina, in the area of ​​the clitoris, anus, urethra, and on the walls of the vagina. Occasionally they can be found on the skin of the perineum and labia.

Condylomas are skin growths that resemble a cockscomb in appearance. They can be on a stem or on a base. The color of condylomas is no different from the color of the surrounding tissues.

HPV is detected using the PCR diagnostic method.

Treatment

Condylomas are removed chemically (using various medications), using a laser, and also by cryodestruction. Then treatment is carried out aimed at increasing the body's immunity. In this case, vaginal and rectal suppositories are prescribed for local immunity and various drugs that stimulate general immunity - tablets or intramuscular injection.

It is also necessary to screen your partner for this disease. Sexual intercourse during treatment is possible only with the use of a condom.