Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Overview

A disease caused by sexually transmitted bacteria that affects the uterus and other female reproductive organs , it may not produce any symptoms and may be diagnosed only when there is an inability to get pregnant or when long term pelvic pain develops.

Signs and Symptoms

Pelvic and abdominal pain
More than usual vaginal discharge that has a bad odour
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Irregular bleeding (in-between periods)
Intercourse is painful
Fever
Difficulty in passing urine

Causes and Risk Factors

Bacteria that get transmitted while having unprotected sex is the main cause of PID.
Bacteria can also enter the reproductive system during periods and after miscarriage, pregnancy and abortion.
Sometimes the bacteria enter via an intra-uterine birth control device (IUD).

Risk factors include having sex before 25 years of age, unprotected sex and having more than one sex partner.

Complications

Untreated, PID can cause enough damage to make pregnancy difficult. Long term pelvic pain and formation of abscess in the reproductive tract are other complications.

Diagnosis

Detailed medical history
Pelvic examination
Blood tests
Ultrasound
Biopsy of endometrium
Laparoscopy

Surgery

PID responds well to antibiotics in the initial stages. If it doesn’t respond, hospitalization may be needed for more intense treatment. Bursting of an abscess may need surgical intervention.

Prevention

Use a condom
Asking the doctor about screening methods
Partners should also be checked for sexually transmitted infections