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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is infection and inflammation of the female reproductive organs, caused most often by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Infection may travel up through the vagina and cervix to involve the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding tissues.
While PID may occur at any age, sexually-active adolescents and young women are most likely to suffer from it. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective in curing the disease. If left untreated, long-term complications may include chronic or persistent pelvic pain, infertility (difficulty in falling pregnant) and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy developing outside the uterus usually in the fallopian tube).
What are the symptoms of PID?
Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
In some cases, PID may not produce any symptoms at all. In others, the symptoms may vary from mild to severe. The most common symptoms of PID are lower abdominal or pelvic pain, low back pain, pain during intercourse or during urination, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharge with a foul odor. Accompanying symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue may be present.
What causes PID?
Causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID is most frequently caused by a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. The causative organisms are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea which are transmitted during sexual intercourse hence practicing safe sex by using condoms may help to prevent the disease. Other organisms, such as normal bacteria found in the vagina and cervix may also cause PID but this is rare.
Risk Factors
- Sexually-active women between the ages of 15 and 24 are more at risk of developing PID.
- Having multiple sexual partners.
- Having unprotected sex may increase chances of acquiring STI.
- Past history of PID or sexually transmitted disease.
- Recent history of abortion, childbirth, IUD insertion, or any procedure done on the uterus.
- Regular douching.
How is PID diagnosed?
Diagnosis of PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease is usually diagnosed from the history, signs and symptoms, physical examination including a pelvic examination, blood tests, urine test, culture and analysis of the vaginal and cervical discharge. A pregnancy test should be done to rule out ectopic pregnancy. Other tests that may be done include a pelvic ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, and laparoscopy.
How is PID treated?
Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
A course of antibiotics will usually cure the disease. If an abscess (collection of pus) develops, it may need to be drained. It is advisable for both partners to be treated simultaneously with antibiotics. Sexual intercourse should be avoided until treatment is complete.
What are the complications of PID?
Complications of PID
Complications are likely to develop if PID is not treated early. This may include :
- Persistent pelvic pain.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Infertility may be caused by damage to the fallopian tube as a result of PID.
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy may be a consequence of fallopian tube damage due to infection.
- Pregnant women with untreated PID are more at risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
- Pelvic abscess formation.
- Ovarian and tubo-ovarian abscess.
- Hydrosalpinx or enlargement of the fallopian tube with fluid.
- Recurrence of PID.
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