Infection and inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, and other female reproductive organs. It scars these organs. Other major issues might result from infertility or ectopic pregnancy. PID is the leading cause of avoidable infertility in the US.

PID is most commonly caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia, two STDs. Other germs cause it. You are more at risk if

• Are sexually active and under 25?
• Have several sex partners
• Douche

There are no symptoms. It’s not uncommon for women to have discomfort during intercourse or urination as well as a temperature. A physical exam, blood testing, and imaging studies identify PID. These drugs help PID. Early detection is key. Waiting too long raises infertility risk.

 

Symptoms of PID

Signs and symptoms of PID include:

• Tenderness or discomfort in the lower abdomen region
• Disruptions in the menstrual cycle
• The presence or absence of changes in the smell, color, or volume of vaginal discharge
• a profound sense of discomfort during sexual encounters
• fever.
• sex that hurts
• urinating is an unpleasant experience
• bleeding that is irregular

 

Risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease

If you have gonorrhea or chlamydia or have had an STI in the past, your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease increases. If you’ve never had a sexually transmitted infection, you can still acquire PID.

Other risk factors for PID include:

• having sex before the age of twenty-five
• having a variety of sexual liaisons
• sex without the use of a condom
• an intrauterine device (IUD) has recently been implanted
• douching
• penetrating illness in the female reproductive system

 

Diagnosis

An examination of the pelvic area will be performed by a doctor to look for soreness.

For chlamydia and gonorrhea, they’ll also do a test.

Cervix and urethra swabs may be obtained, as well as from the bladder’s urethra tube. A blood or urine test may be required.

The fallopian tubes can be checked for inflammation with an ultrasound scan.

A laparoscope is sometimes used to examine the region. It can be used to extract tissue samples if necessary.

 

Treatment of PID

If PID is not treated, it can result in chronic discomfort and, in extreme cases, significant impairment. In most cases, this is due to significant scarring. Early intervention in the treatment of PID may help to reduce the likelihood of complications.

In most cases:

• Using a combination of antibiotics that are active against a broad variety of pathogens for a period of two weeks is considered to be effective.
• testing and treating male partners – testing and treating male partners STI-related PID symptoms in males may be minimal or non-existent; nonetheless, all partners should be treated regardless of test findings in order to prevent transmission of the infection.
• prevent genital sexual contact until therapy is complete and a negative test result has been received

Women who experience severe bouts of PID must be admitted to the hospital for treatment.

 

Medications

Antibiotics have been shown to be effective against the sickness, and you may be prescribed a combination of several sorts.

It is likely that you will be prescribed antibiotics for two weeks. Even if you feel better, you should always follow the instructions and take all of the medication.

Within three days, you should feel better. For example, you should go back to your doctor if they don’t work.

 

Hospitalization

In more critical circumstances, you may need to go to the hospital. There might be various reasons:

• You’ve been on antibiotics, yet your symptoms persist. Your doctor may order extra tests to find out why.
• You need IV antibiotics. If you can’t swallow tablets, your doctor may recommend intravenous antibiotics.
• You have a “turbo-ovarian abscess.” An ovary or fallopian tube fills with infectious fluid that must be evacuated. First, IV antibiotics are generally administered to clear the illness.
• You’re unwell, vomiting, or have a fever. Your doctor may not be able to rule out appendicitis.

 

Inform Your Partner of the Situation

You should inform everyone with whom you have had sexual relations in the last 60 days about your disease. Tell your most recent partner if it’s been over 60 days since you had sex.

 

Reminders for the future

• PID is regarded as the “silent pandemic” since it is prevalent and frequently has no symptoms.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two most prevalent causes of PID, according to the CDC.
• Preventing PID can be as simple as using condoms with new partners and getting tested for sexually transmitted illnesses on a regular basis.
• If PID is not addressed, scarring of the fallopian tubes and infertility may result.