On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.
What is pelvic inflammatory disease in women?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection and inflammation that affects one or more organs in a woman's pelvic region, such as the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.
What are the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease in women?
The symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include:
Lower abdominal or back pain.
Pain during intercourse or urination.
Abnormal menstrual periods or increased pain during menstruation.
Unusual vaginal discharge, including bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.
It can be difficult for a woman to know if she has pelvic inflammatory disease because some women may not show any symptoms, especially when PID is caused by a chlamydia infection. Sometimes, symptoms are mild and develop slowly, while in other cases, severe symptoms may develop quickly.
What are the causes of pelvic inflammatory disease in women?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from the cervix to other female reproductive organs. The infection is caused by:
Gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Abortion.
Insertion of an intrauterine device or childbirth.
What are the diagnostic methods?
The doctor will take the medical history and conduct a clinical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
Vaginal examination.
Vaginal and cervical swabs.
Blood tests and urine tests.
Ultrasound.
Laparoscopy, which is rarely needed.
What are the treatment methods for pelvic inflammatory disease in women?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is treated with a course of antibiotics for at least 14 days. During treatment, it is advised to refrain from sexual intercourse.
What are the preventive measures for pelvic inflammatory disease in women?
Avoid illicit relationships that may lead to the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Pelvic inflammatory disease does not always cause symptoms, so it's important to undergo regular screenings for sexually transmitted diseases and to get tested for sexually transmitted infections before any gynecological procedures, such as the insertion of an intrauterine device or abortion.
What are the complications of pelvic inflammatory disease in women?
If pelvic inflammatory disease is not treated in women, it may lead to:
Reduced fertility.
Chronic abdominal pain.
Ectopic pregnancy (where the fetus grows outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes).
Miscarriage.
Premature birth.
Stillbirth.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, please see your doctor as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pelvic inflammatory disease be easily treated?
When pelvic inflammatory disease is diagnosed early, it can be easily treated, and most women recover completely.
