Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Understanding Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection in women’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is caused by sexually transmitted bacteria like chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
When left untreated, PID can cause severe complexities such as severe pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
Prompt attention is pivotal in preventing long-term harm to the reproductive organs. Read on with Dr. Lida Anwari to understand the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for PID.
Signs of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Understanding the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease can help ensure early treatment. Some common symptoms include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge (also known as pelvic inflammatory disease discharge) with an unpleasant odour
- Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Pain during intercourse
- Flu-like symptoms like fever and chills
- Pain while urinating
These symptoms can vary; some women may experience only mild discomfort. However, even mild symptoms should not be ignored, as untreated pelvic inflammatory disease may lead to permanent damage to the reproductive system.
Diagnosing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Ultrasound and Other Methods
Diagnosing pelvic inflammatory disease accurately often requires a combination of methods. Dr Lida may start with a physical examination and discuss the symptoms in detail. Ultrasound is a standard imaging test used to evaluate the extent of the infection.
During an ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves create images of the reproductive organs, enabling doctors to check for signs of PID, such as abscesses or fluid buildup in the fallopian tubes.
Common causes of pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease occurs when bacteria from an STI, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, spread from the vagina to the reproductive organs.
PID can even result from non-sexually transmitted bacteria, particularly post-childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. Other key risk factors include:
- Having numerous sexual partners
- Engaging in unprotected sexual activity
- A history of STIs or previous episodes of PID
- Douching, which pushes the bacteria into the reproductive organs
- Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) without proper screening
Awareness of these risk factors can help women take preventive steps and reduce their chances of developing pelvic inflammatory disease.
Bacteria may enter your reproductive tract when the cervix’s usual barrier is compromised. This can occur during or after menstruation, childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
Bacteria can occasionally enter the reproductive system while implanting an intrauterine device (IUD), a long-term tool for birth control, or any other medical treatment that involves introducing devices into the uterus.
Complications of Untreated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
If left untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can lead to severe complications that affect a woman’s reproductive health. These may include:
- Infertility: PID can cause scar tissue to form in the fallopian tubes, blocking the pathway of the egg to the uterus and leading to infertility. About 1 in 10 women with PID may face infertility if left untreated.
- Ectopic pregnancy: Scarring from PID raises the chance of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube.
- Chronic pelvic pain: PID can result in ongoing pelvic pain due to damage and scarring of the reproductive organs.
- Pelvic abscesses: In severe cases, infections can develop abscesses (pus-filled pockets) on the fallopian tubes or ovaries, which may require surgical intervention.
Addressing PID early with antibiotics and proper medical care can help prevent these dangerous complications.
Treating Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Treating pelvic inflammatory disease requires a course of antibiotics to eliminate the infection. A combination of antibiotics is prescribed to cover the various bacteria causing the infection.
Hospitalisation or surgery may sometimes be required when the infection has caused abscesses or severe damage. Ultrasound of pelvic inflammatory disease is often repeated during treatment to track progress and ensure that the infection is resolving without complications.
It’s essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before the treatment is finished. Additionally, your sexual partner(s) may need treatment to prevent reinfection.
Preventing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease. Some of the most effective steps include:
- Practice safe sex: Using protection during sex reduces the risk of STIs that can lead to PID.
- Routine STI screenings: Early detection and treatment of STIs are crucial to preventing PID.
- Avoid douching: Douching can upset the biological balance of bacteria in the vagina and push harmful bacteria up into the reproductive organs.
- Seek prompt medical care: If you notice you have an STI or experience symptoms of PID, seek medical attention immediately to prevent complications.
Consult Dr Lida Anwari for Expert Care
Dr Lida Anwari provides holistic care for women diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Her knowledge in treating PID assures that every patient receives personalised and effective treatment, helping preserve reproductive health and general well-being.
Don’t suffer with PID – Get your appointment today!