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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that goes up through the uterus to the fallopian tubes. Both females and males carry the organisms that cause PID. These can be passed on to someone else. This occurs even when no symptoms are noticed.
Signs & Symptoms
When symptoms are present, they can vary from woman to woman. PID can be acute or chronic.
Symptoms of Acute PID
• Pain in the abdomen or back. The pain can be severe.
• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor.
• Pain during sex.
• The abdomen is tender and/or bloated.
• Menstrual cramps are very painful.
• High fever.
Symptoms of Chronic PID
Resources
National Women’s Health Information Center
• Pain in the abdomen or back is less severe. This often occurs halfway through the menstrual cycle or during a pelvic exam.
• Skin on the abdomen is sensitive.
• Vaginal discharge. Change in menstrual flow.
• Nausea.
• Low grade fever.
Causes
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. The organisms that cause these STIs spread into the internal reproductive organs. Many times, PID is caused by more than one of these organisms.
• Having had PID in the past.
• Recently having vaginitis.
• Bacteria normally found in the intestines can get into the pelvic cavity. Times this can happen:
– After sex, especially having vaginal intercourse right after having anal intercourse.
– With high risk sexual practices that increase the risk of infection. Examples are having multiple sex partners or having sex with a person who has many partners.
– After an intrauterine device (IUD) is put in or adjusted. This is a low risk, though.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of PID are a lot like those of other conditions, such as endometriosis and urinary tract infections. This can make it hard to diagnose PID from symptoms alone. Most of the time your doctor can diagnose PID with an exam and simple laboratory tests. Rarely, your doctor may need to do a laparoscopy. This is a minor surgical procedure which allows your doctor to see all the structures inside your abdomen. An ultrasound may also be done.
Treatment
Antibiotics treat diagnosed PID. If the infection is severe, bed rest and antibiotics given through an IV may be needed. Treatment for an infected sex partner is also needed. This prevents getting the infection again.
When PID is not treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. If it spreads to the blood, it may threaten life.
Scarring from the infection can cause damage to a woman’s reproductive organs. It can cause infertility. Also, a woman who has had PID is at increased risk for:
Questions to Ask
Question 1
Do you have very severe pain in your abdomen?
Get medical care without delay. If symptoms are life threatening go to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t call 9-1-1 or use the ER if symptoms do not threaten life. Ask your doctor ahead of time where you should go for a problem that needs prompt care, but not emergency care.
Question 2
Do you have signs and symptoms of acute or chronic PID?
You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.
Question 3
Have you had an IUD inserted and does it cause discomfort?
You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.
Question 4
Have you had unprotected sex with someone who has or you think might have a sexually transmitted infection?
You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.
Use Self-Care / Prevention:
You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.
Self-Care / Prevention
• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to keep bacteria from getting into the vagina.
• When you menstruate, change tampons and/or pads often.
• Don’t have vaginal sex right after anal sex.
• Don’t have sex with anyone who has not been treated for a current case of PID or an STI or with anyone who has partners that haven’t been treated.
• Use barrier birth control methods with spermicides. These reduce the risk of getting PID from an infected partner. These include the male or female condom, cervical cap, or diaphragm. Use these even if you use other forms of birth control, such as the pill.
• Don’t use an IUD if you are at risk for STIs. If you use an IUD, have your doctor remove it if you become pregnant and then miscarry. If it is left in, your risk for PID goes up.
• Don’t smoke.
• Don’t use douches. These can spread bacteria further up the vagina.
• After childbirth, wait until you stop bleeding to have sex. After a D & C, abortion, or miscarriage, wait 1 week to have sex. Use a latex or polyurethane condom for 2 weeks after having an IUD put in.
• If you are at risk for PID, get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea every 6 months.
This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.
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