| Pelvic
Inflammatory Disease (PID)
What is pelvic inflammatory disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by a type of bacteria, often
the same type that is responsible for several sexually transmitted
diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. In some cases, PID develops
from bacteria that has traveled through the vagina and the cervix by way
of an intrauterine device (IUD).
PID can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or the ovaries. It can
lead to pelvic adhesions and scar tissue that develops between internal
organs, causing ongoing pelvic pain and the possibility of an ectopic
pregnancy (the fertilized egg becomes implanted outside the uterus). Left
untreated, infertility can develop. In fact, PID is currently the leading
cause of female infertility. If left untreated, PID can also lead to
chronic infection. In addition, if PID is not diagnosed early enough,
peritonitis and inflammation of the walls of the abdominal and pelvic
cavity may develop.
Who is at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease?
Although women of any age can develop PID, sexually active women between
the ages of 20 and 31 are at the greatest risk of acquiring the disease
through sexually transmitted bacteria. Women who use intrauterine devices
(IUDs) are also at an increased risk.
What are the symptoms of PID?
The following are the most common symptoms of PID. However, each
individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms of PID include:
diffuse pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
pelvic pain
increased foul-smelling vaginal discharge
fever and chills
vomiting and nausea
pain during sexual intercourse
Symptoms may be mild enough that the condition may go undiagnosed.
The symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may resemble other
conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a
diagnosis.
How is PID diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical and pelvic
examination, diagnostic procedures for PID may include the following:
- microscopic examination of samples from the vagina and
cervix
- Pap test - test that involves microscopic
examination of cells collected from the cervix, used to detect changes
that may be cancer or may lead to cancer, and to show noncancerous
conditions, such as infection or inflammation.
- ultrasound - a diagnostic imaging technique which
uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal
organs.
- laparoscopy - a minor surgical procedure in which a
laparoscope, a thin tube with a lens and a light, is inserted into an
incision in the abdominal wall. Using the laparoscope to see into the
pelvic area, the physician can determine the locations, extent, and
size of the endometrial growths.
- culdocentesis - a procedure in which a needle is
inserted into the pelvic cavity through the vaginal wall to obtain a
sample of pus.
Treatment for PID:
Specific treatment for cervicitis will be determined by your physician
based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- type and severity of the symptoms
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment for PID usually includes oral antibiotics, particularly if
there is evidence of gonorrhea or chlamydia. In cases of severe infection,
hospitalization may be required to administer intravenous antibiotics.
Occasionally, surgery is necessary.
Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this web. |
