About this topic
Tuboovarian abscess is also known as TOA. TOA is an infection of a womans fallopian tube and ovary, which are reproductive organs found in the lower belly or pelvis. ‚
If the infection is not treated, the organs can become swollen, sore, and scarred. TOA may leave you not able to have a baby from the scars on your fallopian tubes. ‚
What are the causes?
TOA is most often caused by an infection you can catch when you have sex. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
TOA happens most often to women between the ages of 15 and 40. You are at a higher risk for TOA if you have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease. Your risk is also higher if you have multiple sex partners or you do not practice safe sex. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Belly pain
- Fever and chills
- Vaginal discharge
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may do a pelvic exam as well. The doctor may also order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
You may need to have the abscess drained and fluid removed. Other times, you will need to take antibiotics. You may need to have antibiotics through an I.V. if you have a serious infection. Surgery may be needed. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Even if signs go away, finish taking all of your drugs as ordered. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Problems getting pregnant
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Abnormal menstrual periods
- Pregnancy outside of the womb.
- TOA could happen again.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Avoid douching. When you douche, you can cause changes in your vagina that help germs grow.
- The only sure way to keep from getting or passing on a sexually-transmitted infection is to not have sexual contact with any person. This infection may be spread even if you do not have any signs of illness.
- Avoid contact with any sex partner known to have an infection.
- If you have sex, use latex condoms each time to lower spread of infection.
- Avoid multiple sex partners. Be in a long-term relationship with only one person who has been tested and is known to have no infection.
- Get a regular check-up for STDs.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/std/PID/STDFact-PID-Detailed.htm ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/std/pelvic_inflammatory_disease.html ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-08-18 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Genitourinary
- Reproductive
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚