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Tubo-Ovarian Abscess: Care Instructions

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Picture of female pelvic organs

Overview

A tubo-ovarian abscess is a pocket of pus. It forms because of an infection in a fallopian tube and ovary. A tubo-ovarian abscess is most often caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the abscess. A very large abscess or one that does not go away after antibiotic treatment may need to be drained. Sometimes surgery is used to remove the infected tube and ovary.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • 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).

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have a new or higher fever.
  • You have unusual vaginal bleeding.
  • You have new or worse belly or pelvic pain.
  • You have vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad.
  • You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
  • You have symptoms of sepsis, such as:
    • Shortness of breath.
    • Feeling very sick.
    • Severe pain.
    • A fast heart rate.
    • Cool, pale, or clammy skin.
    • Feeling confused.
    • Feeling very sleepy, or you are hard to wake up.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.