What is a pelvic inflammatory disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive organs of women. The reproductive organs include the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Alternate names
- PID
- Pelvic infection
Causes of pelvic inflammatory disease
Two sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the main causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Gonorrhea and chlamydia cause vague or absent symptoms in women. When a woman is infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia and goes untreated, it can take a few days to a few weeks for PID to develop. PID can also be caused by infections such as non-sexually transmitted bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease
Risk factors for PID include:
- Delivery, miscarriage, or abortion if bacteria enter the vagina. The infection can spread more easily if the uterus is not completely closed.
- An intrauterine device (IUD), a form of birth control that is placed in the uterus. This increases the risk of infection, which can lead to PID.
- The endometrial biopsy, which is taken during this time for analysis of the tissue sample, increases the risk of infection and subsequent PID.
- If appendicitis spreads from the appendix to the pelvis, there is very little risk of appendicitis.
Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) often does not cause obvious symptoms.
Most women have mild symptoms, of which one or more may be present:
- Pain around the pelvis or lower tummy
- Discomfort or pain during sex that's felt deep inside the pelvis
- Pain when peeing
- Bleeding between periods and after sex
- Heavy periods
- Painful periods
- Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if it's yellow or green
A few women become very ill with:
- Severe pain in the tummy
- A high temperature
- Feeling and being sick
Diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease
Consult with a infertility specialist doctor for diagnosis of PID. Your doctor will evaluate causes such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. In some cases, laparoscopy is needed to accurately diagnose PID. Laparoscopy involves inserting an endoscope (similar to a surgical video camera) into the abdomen to view the reproductive organs.
Treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease
The usual treatment is a course of antibiotics for at least two weeks. Sometimes your doctor will ask you to stay in the hospital for treatment. This is good if your temperature is very high (above 38 ° C) or if there are signs of pus collection (a lump).
Two different antibiotics are often prescribed. Covers the range of germs (bacteria) that cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). You may be given an antibiotic injection first, followed by a cycle of one or two antibiotic tablets over two weeks. There are many different regimens for treating PID. It is important to carry out the complete treatment. Treatment is usually started as soon as possible if PID is suspected. This can sometimes be before samples (swipe) or other test results are available. Previous treatment, good outlook, and low risk of future reproductive problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This affects the choice of antibiotics.
Occasionally, surgery is required. For example, draining a tumor if it develops (which is very unusual).
You and your sexual partner should not have sex until the treatment is finished.
Prevention
- Use of condoms to practice safe sex
- The early seeking of treatment for symptoms
- Single exclusive sex partner
- Avoid douches
Complications
Some problems can arise if pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is not treated:
- Scarring that can lead to fertility problems
- Recurring PID
- Severe pelvic pain
- A turbo-ovarian abscess