Symptoms of Adnexitis

Most women are familiar with adnexitis, a common gynecological inflammatory condition. Adnexitis can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute adnexitis typically presents with lower abdominal pain and fever, whereas chronic adnexitis may cause chills, persistent abdominal pain, tenderness upon palpation, and—significantly—may lead to infertility. Below, we outline the characteristic symptoms of adnexitis.

Symptoms of Adnexitis

I. Acute Adnexitis

The predominant symptom is acute lower abdominal pain, often accompanied by fever. Gynecological examination reveals marked tenderness and rebound tenderness in the adnexal region. Complete blood count (CBC) typically shows leukocytosis with a significantly elevated neutrophil percentage.

II. Chronic Adnexitis

Chronic adnexitis is more commonly encountered, and its clinical manifestations include the following:

1. Abdominal pain of varying severity: Patients experience lower abdominal heaviness, pain, and lumbosacral soreness—symptoms that fluctuate in intensity. These are frequently accompanied by increased vaginal discharge, low back pain, and menstrual irregularities, and often worsen during menstruation or after physical exertion.

2. Tender “masses”: On gynecological examination, tenderness and thickening may be noted in one or both adnexal regions, sometimes with palpable tender masses. White blood cell count may be elevated or within normal limits.

3. Hydrosalpinx: Prolonged chronic inflammation of the fallopian tubes may result in tubal fibrosis, thickening, and obstruction, as well as adhesions to surrounding tissues. If both ends of the tube become occluded, hydrosalpinx may develop. In cases where the hydrosalpinx ruptures into an adjacent, adherent ovary, a tubo-ovarian cyst may form.

The above outlines the typical clinical manifestations of adnexitis. We hope this information proves helpful to you.