PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)
What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a progressive infection that harms a woman's reproductive system. PID occurs throughout the pelvic area, in the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the lining of the uterus, and in the ovaries.
How do I get Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
PID usually results from having a sexually transmitted infection, especially Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
What are the symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Common symptoms of PID include: unusually long or painful periods, unusual vaginal discharge, spotting and pain between menstrual periods or during urination, pain in the lower abdomen and back, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain during intercourse.
Symptoms can be confused with those of appendicitis and other infections.
How is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease diagnosed?
PID is diagnosed during a pelvic exam, through blood tests, by microscopic examination and/or culture of vaginal and cervical secretions, or by laparoscopy - an optical instrument is inserted through a small cut in the navel to look at the reproductive organs.
How is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease treated?
Especially if untreated, PID can lead to sterility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain. The chances of a woman becoming infertile increase if she has had episodes of PID.
Treatment of PID includes: antibiotics, bed rest, and sexual abstinence. Surgery may be required to remove abscesses or scar tissue, or to repair or remove reproductive organs.
How do I prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Correct and consistent use of condoms during sexual activity will reduce the risk of getting infections commonly associated with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
Accredited by: