Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads to the reproductive organs, often through sexually transmitted diseases. Symptoms include pain, irregular periods, and heavy vaginal discharge. Ignoring PID can lead to complications such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Treatment involves antibiotics, and prevention includes using barrier contraception and discussing the risks of intrauterine device placement with a doctor.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition unique to women caused by a bacterial infection that spreads to the reproductive organs. Most commonly, the bacteria involved are sexually transmitted and the result of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This is not always the case and some women develop PID from other bacteria introduced into the reproductive organs. In particular, some women contract this condition shortly after having an intrauterine device (IUD) placed.
There are numerous symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease and these can include irregular periods and some women have heavy vaginal discharge which may have an odor. The pain from the condition can be felt in the lower back, lower stomach, and pelvis. Many women also experience pain during intercourse. Some signs of bacterial infection, such as fever, may also be present, and some women report symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Another common symptom is pain when emptying the bladder.
Despite the constellation of symptoms that can be associated with PID, some women experience none and may inadvertently ignore PID. Certain types of bacteria, such as chlamydia, are associated with a low incidence of symptoms. Unfortunately, ignoring the condition can lead to major complications. Over time, ongoing bacterial infection can scar the fallopian tubes and can create permanent or temporary infertility. Women who become pregnant when they have PID are much more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. Even with treatment, some women may find that they experience chronic pelvic pain for months or years afterward.
Those who suspect pelvic inflammatory disease should see their doctor, and there is no need to wait for symptoms to develop. Since one of the most common means by which this disease occurs is through certain sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, women who have unprotected sex or sex with a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease should consult their doctors immediately to test for sexually transmitted diseases. Early testing usually involves a gynecological exam and swabbing of the cervix to rule out PID or the presence of STDs. If PID is found, some doctors may wish to perform a laparoscopic procedure to determine the extent of the infection.
In most cases, when a woman has pelvic inflammatory disease, she will be treated with antibiotics. Many women take oral antibiotics and may have several follow-up appointments with doctors to make sure the infection is completely gone. Severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Sometimes abscesses develop in the reproductive organs and these may require surgical drainage so they don’t rupture, but this is not common.
PID is a difficult condition that can often be prevented. Women most at risk for this disease are generally those who have had unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners. Using barrier methods of contraception, especially condoms, helps reduce the risk of contracting STDs that are more likely to cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Women are also advised to talk to their doctors about the risk versus benefit of IUD placement, as these birth control devices also carry some risk for PID, and while they may prevent pregnancy, they are not a method that prevents sexually transmitted diseases.
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