Pelvic Inflammatory disease or PID is a condition, where the reproductive organs of a woman get infected. The pelvis is nothing but the lower abdomen, which comprises of the fallopian tube, the ovaries, the cervix, and the uterus.
A variety of bacteria can cause PID, including those who cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs), i.e. gonorrhea and chlamydia. The general reasoning of what happens is that the bacteria first enter the vagina, causing an infection. When it is left untreated, it can move to the pelvic region.
It is important to understand that PID can become a deadly disease if it steeps into the bloodstream. Therefore, if you notice any symptoms or signs of PID, visit your doctor immediately.
Who are at a Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?
- If you are suffering from gonorrhea or chlamydia
- If you are under the age of 25 and have regular intercourse
- If you have sex without using a condom
- If you are using an Intrauterine device (IUD) to avoid pregnancy
- Douching, i.e. washing your vagina with water and a mixture of other fluids, such as vinegar.
- If you have a history of PID
Signs and Symptoms
Some woman may not display any signs and symptoms. But, for those who do, the symptoms are;
- Pain in the lower abdomen and this is one of the most common symptoms
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Fever
- Experiencing pain while having sex
- Experiencing pain while urinating
- Irregular bleeding
- Foul smell from vagina
- Fatigue
Some women even experience severe symptoms, such as;
- Unbearable abdomen pain
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- High Fever
Treatments
Since the type of bacteria is unknown, your doctor might prescribe two types of antibiotics to treat your PID. Once you start the treatment, your symptoms are supposed to vanish in a few weeks. However, you should not stop the treatment in between as there are chances of contracting the disease again.
PID might also require a surgery, nevertheless, it is rare and done only when you have an abscess, i.e. a pocket of pus caused because of an infection.
