Pelvic Inflamatory Disease
If you are having difficulties becoming pregnant or have recently noticed symptoms of abdominal pain and tenderness, you may be suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious infection that can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs. It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symtpoms of pelvic inflammatory disease so that you can seek immediate treatment.
What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that affects a woman's reproductive organs. If you have PID, it can infect your ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes and other tissues within your reproductive system. PID is most common among sexually active women between the ages of 15 and 25. If left untreated, PID can result in infertility.
What Causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease/
PID is caused by a germ that somehow navigates its way into your body. Usually, this germ is introduced to the uterus during sexual intercourse. Sometimes though, PID can be caused by the transmission of infection through the bloodstream. PID can occur as a result of:
Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
If you have PID, you will probably experience specific symptoms associated with the disease. However, some women will exhibit only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. It is important to see your health care provider every year for an examination. Symptoms of PID include:
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- pelvic pain during intercourse
- smelly yellow or green vaginal discharge
- irregular periods
- fever or chills
- mild to severe nausea
Diagnosing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
It is fairly straightforward for your health care provider to diagnose a case of PID. She will ask you about your symptoms and will perform a pelvic exam in order to assess any pain or vaginal discharge. She will also perform various blood tests and cervical swabs to find out the cause of your symptoms.
A laparascopy may be required in order to firm up the diagnosis. This surgical procedure uses a small microscope to look inside your pelvis. You will be placed under anesthesia and a small incision is made beneath your naval. The laparascope is then inserted inside in order to view your organs. If your ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes are inflammed, it is likely you have PID.
Treating Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
If caught early, PID is generally mild and does not cause too many symptoms. These mild cases can be treated with injected or oral antibiotics. Moderate cases of PID are usually treated with a few days of intravenous antibiotics, done at home or in a clinic. Severe PID usually requires a stay in hospital along with intravenous antibiotic treatment.
Sometimes, surgery is required in order to drain abscesses caused by PID. An abscess is a growth of pus and bacteria inside your uterus. These can spread infection, and must be drained surgically.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Infertility
PID can be a very serious, and sometimes life threatening disease. If it is not treated, PID can also cause serious damage to your reproductive system. Scar tissue can form in and around the fallopian tubes or damage other reproductive organs. This tissue damage can result in infertility or an ectopic pregnancy. If you have PID, it is important to seek treatment immediately.
Preventing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
If you are sexually active, it is important to reduce your risk of developing PID. Keep the following tips in mind:
- only have one sexual partner
- use a condom during sexual intercourse
- visit your healthcare provider every year for a pelvic exam
Getting Pregnant
