What is tubo-ovarian abscess?

A tubo-ovarian abscess is a pocket of pus that forms during an infection of a fallopian tube and ovary. This abscess is often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

A tubo-ovarian abscess is usually diagnosed with a physical exam and pelvic ultrasound. Some abscesses are found by using surgery (laparoscopy or laparotomy) to look inside the belly.

A tubo-ovarian abscess is usually treated with antibiotics. Very large abscesses or ones that don't go away after antibiotic treatment may have to be drained. Draining may be done by using a large needle. The needle is guided by ultrasound or by cutting into the abscess during laparoscopy or laparotomy. Sometimes the infected tube and ovary also have to be removed with surgery.

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Rest until you feel better.
• Take anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Use a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on low for belly pain.
• Do not have sex or use tampons (use pads instead) until you have taken all the medicine, your pain is gone, and you feel completely well.
• Talk to any sex partners you have had in the past 2 months. They need to be tested and may need to be treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).