Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
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What is it?
- PID is a term that refers to an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other reproductive organs.
- It is a serious complication from other sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
Transmission
- PID occurs when bacteria move upward from a woman's vagina or cervix into her reproductive organs.
- Many different organisms can cause PID, but many cases are associated with Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, two very common bacterial STIs.
- Sexually active women in their childbearing years are most at risk, and those under age 25 are more likely to develop PID than those older than 25. This is because the cervix of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured, increasing their susceptibility to the STDs that are linked to PID.
Symptoms
- Two out of three times symptoms of PID go unrecognized, due to the fact that they are usually very mild.
- However, some symptoms include; fever, unusual vaginal discharge that may have a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, and irregular menstrual bleeding.
Potential Complications
- PID can cause serious damage to the fallopian tubes and the tissues around the uterus and ovaries.
- If PID goes untreated it can lead to chronic pelvic pain infertility, and possibly an ectopic pregnancy.
- In very severe cases PID and its complications can lead to death.
Testing
- There are no precise tests for PID.
- Diagnosis is usually based on clinical findings.
- Evidence of a previous gonorrheal or chlamydial infection may be a good indicator of PID.
Treatment
- PID can be cured with several types of antibiotics.
- However, antibiotic treatment does not reverse any damage that has already occurred to the reproductive organs.
Prevention
Because PID is caused by Gonorrhea and Chlamydia it is important for women to protect themselves from those STDs. Latex male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Women can protect themselves from PID by taking action to prevent STDs or by getting early treatment if they do get an STD.
