The oophoritis or oophoritis defines inflammation of the ovaries, may be unilateral or bilateral, and may or may not affect other surrounding organs of the female reproductive system, appear to determine other conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease or adnexitis.
Women with swollen ovaries often have many symptoms, such as general malaise, weakness, painful periods, and pain in the ovaries. It is a condition observed more frequently in women who have not been pregnant and have sex with different partners. It is also associated with other risk factors such as tobacco and the abuse of douching.
In the following FastlyHealarticle, we explain the causes and symptoms of ovaritis and how to reduce inflammation of the ovaries with the appropriate treatments and remedies in each case.
Table of Contents
Inflammation of the ovaries: causes
Before knowing how to reduce inflammation of the ovaries, we must understand what the possible causes of inflamed ovaries are:
- Puerperium: This stage occurs during the 40 days immediately after delivery. The woman gradually recovers from all the physical and hormonal changes she suffered after pregnancy. It is not ruled out that the ovaries may have been displaced during childbirth and cause inflammation after delivery.
- Abortion: during pregnancy, the woman also suffers from hormonal changes, external and internal physical changes, and it is likely that when an abortion occurs, the ovaries are slightly inflamed due to the natural process of pregnancy.
- Vaginal infection: it is generally associated with Candida Albicans, a fungus that tends to increase the frequency in the female reproductive system due to changes that occur in the normal bacterial flora, usually caused by excess moisture in the genital area, the wearing synthetic underwear, and stress, among other triggers. The following article explains the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of vaginal yeast infection.
- Drug reactions: product of adverse effects after taking some medications, especially those used to treat vaginal infections such as ovules.
- Cysts in the ovaries: a frequent cause of pain and inflammation of the ovaries is the presence of cysts or sacs of liquid content inside the ovary, although it is usually a benign condition and can generate uncomfortable symptoms.
- Endometriosis: occurs when the endometrial tissue grows out of its usual place (inside the uterus). The endometrium can grow in the ovaries and even in the abdomen.
- Ovarian torsion occurs predominantly in women who suffer from ovarian cysts and when they are more significant. The ligament that holds the ovary in position can rotate and twist, giving this condition that must be treated urgently.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease: pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) also tends to be associated with inflamed ovaries due to the infectious and inflammatory process in the uterus and all women’s reproductive organs. It usually has severe complications such as infertility in at least 12% of women who suffer from it for the first time, as stated by the Cuban Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology [1].
Symptoms of swollen ovaries
Ovarian inflammation is seen more often in women who:
- They have the habit of smoking.
- They have an active sex life.
- They suffer from disorders in the genitourinary system.
- They suffer from chronic infections.
- They have rough sex.
- They have excessive fatigue.
- They live in stressful situations.
Among the main symptoms that usually accompany ovarian inflammation are:
- Severe pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal region.
- Habitual menstrual bleeding
- High fever.
- She was shaking chills.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dyspareunia or pain during sexual intercourse.
- General discomfort.
- Back pain.
- Dysuria or pain when urinating.
How to reduce inflammation of the ovaries: medical treatment
The medical treatment for swollen ovaries will always depend on the root cause of this condition:
- First of all, the specialist may order pain relievers and anti-inflammatories to relieve pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen.
- Treatment with antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin is usually indicated for eight days-14 days depending on the severity of the case and if a bacterial vaginal infection triggers the inflammation.
- If the inflammation of the ovaries occurs due to abortion or in the puerperium, the woman’s body must spontaneously recover its normality over time. In the event of pelvic pain, the doctor must make a diagnosis and may add pain relievers to the treatment.
- If the inflammation is related to fungal vaginal infections, the use of ovules or vaginal creams will be pertinent to treat it. By eliminating the trigger, the symptoms will go away.
Home remedies to reduce inflammation of the ovaries
In addition to the medical treatment indicated by the specialist, you can use some beneficial natural remedies to reduce inflammation of the ovaries:
- Ginger tea: Ginger is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory by nature; ingesting its tea allows calming pain and inflammation in the pelvic region.
- Castor oil: it has extensive anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its ricinoleic acid. It is used topically to reduce inflammation of the ovaries. It is recommended to soak a small cloth with castor oil and place it on the pelvis, specifically in the sore region. An insulated bag can be placed on this towel to make it more effective. Afterward, you can take a shower with lukewarm water.
- Chamomile and cinnamon: an infusion prepared with these beautiful ingredients helps reduce inflammation of the ovaries, improve blood circulation and decrease the levels of prostaglandins, which are frequent causes of pain and inflammation of the ovaries. It should be prepared by boiling a little water, adding the chamomile flowers, and adding the cinnamon. Next, cover, turn off the heat, and let it rest for 5 minutes, then strain and eat. This infusion will take once a day on an empty stomach for seven days.
- Apple cider vinegar is effective for inflammation and is also a good ally against ovarian cysts. Its preparation is simple and consists of adding one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 1 glass of warm water and eating on an empty stomach before going to bed for two weeks.
- Basil: finally, basil, in addition to the vitamins, has proven anti-inflammatory properties. It is prepared by boiling 1 cup of water, removed from the heat, and one tablespoon of fresh basil previously washed is added. Let it rest for 10 minutes to be able to drink its infusion.
Before starting any treatment to reduce inflammation of the ovaries, it is essential to be evaluated by a specialist to treat the cause early and avoid serious complications to treat.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to reduce inflammation of the ovaries, we recommend that you enter our category of the Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.