Pelvic inflammatory disease: Basic Disease Information

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What is it?
Q&A

Pelvic inflammatory disease

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Pelvic inflammatory disease

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Dr. Trinity J. Bivalacqua
Updated 2024-08-22
Published 2024-03-06

What is it

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs. It is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria that spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

What causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

PID is most often caused by bacteria from sexually transmitted infections, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, it can also develop from bacteria that enter the reproductive tract through other means, such as during childbirth, abortion, or pelvic procedures.

What are the symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Symptoms can include pelvic pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, pain during intercourse, irregular menstrual bleeding, and, in severe cases, nausea and vomiting.

How is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, including a pelvic exam, tests for sexually transmitted infections, and possibly other tests like ultrasound or laparoscopy to view the internal pelvic organs.

What are the complications of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Complications can include chronic pelvic pain, formation of scar tissue and abscesses, infertility, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb), and recurrent PID infections.

How is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease treated?

Treatment typically involves antibiotics to treat the infection. It’s important for both the patient and her sexual partner(s) to complete the entire course of antibiotics. In severe cases, hospitalization or surgery may be required.

Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease be prevented?

Prevention strategies include practicing safe sex, using condoms, getting regular screenings for STIs, especially if you have multiple sexual partners, and ensuring good hygiene and regular health check-ups.

PID is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, but it can also arise due to other types of bacteria that are normally found in the vagina. Women who engage in unprotected sex, have multiple sexual partners, or douching are at a higher risk of developing PID.

Symptoms of PID may include lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge with a strong odor, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, fever, and pain during sexual intercourse. However, some women may experience no symptoms at all.

If left untreated, PID can lead to serious complications such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and an increased risk of pelvic adhesions or abscesses. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are essential to prevent long-term consequences.

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Prevention of PID involves practicing safe sex by using condoms, limiting sexual partners, and undergoing regular screening for STIs. It is also important to seek early medical attention if any symptoms of PID arise or if there is a history of exposure to an STI.