219. Be Alert for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
If you experience pain and discomfort in your lower abdomen, accompanied by a fever, call your doctor. These symptoms could be caused by a number of problems including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is an infection that goes up through the uterus to the Fallopian tubes. If neglected, scarring from PID can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs and leave you infertile. Follow your physician’s instructions. Treatment will probably include bed rest and antibiotics.
PID is transmitted sexually. Using an intrauterine device (IUD) increases the chances for infection. If you have been diagnosed as having PID, your sexual partner should also be treated.
