Adhesions in or around the fallopian tubes are the result of infection caused by certain sexually transmitted diseases, or SDT's.
Chlamydia en gonorrhoea are two such diseases, which when introduced into the body in infected semen, then spread upwards in the direction of the fallopian tubes. They can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), which is an infection of the inner pelvic area, around the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
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Adhesions in testicle caused by STD's. |
The greatest risk is from chlamydia, because this is the STD most common in the Benelux countries, in men and women between the ages of 15 and 35. Apart from that, most people, especially women, don't even realize that they are infected. 60% of cases do not have any clear symptoms. In the remaining 40%, symptoms only begin to manifest one to three weeks after exposure to the disease. They can consist of a burning sensation during urination, pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge and sometimes a high temperature.
The diesease is usually easier to identify in men, with symptoms being more severe and occurring earlier than in women. They consist of severe pain during urination and discharge from the penis.
Implications for fertility
Chlamydia en gonorrhoea are treatable using antibiotics if the diagnosis is made on time. However if left untreated, the infection can cause serious damage. The longer the infection is left untreated, the greater the chances are of serious consequences for a woman's level of fertility.
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A chlamydia-infection around the liver |
Chlamydia spreads from the vagina, up through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes where it causes scarring and adhesions. As a result of this, the fallopian tubes can become narrowed of blocked. This prevents the transportation of egg cells and results in infertility.
Chlamydia can also infect the abdominal cavity, spreading to other organs. This is Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID.
In conclusion, gonorrhoea too can cause PID, but this disease is less common than chlamydia.