(click to alter)Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a gynecological condition caused by an infection (usually sexually transmitted) that spreads from the vagina to the upper parts of a woman's reproductive tract in the pelvic cavity. It can range from a very mild to a very serious infection, and can affect one or more of the following:
Most cases are caused by sexual transmission from one person to another. In most cases, PID is caused by gonorrhea and Chlamydia; 2 common sexually transmitted infections (STI's). During an initial PID infection, the reproductive organs may be damaged which in turn increases the risk of another episode of PID developing.
Most at risk of developing PID are sexually active women in their childbearing years and those under 25 years of age. This is because a young woman's cervix has not fully matured, increasing their susceptibility to the STIs that are linked to PID.
Women who have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted may have a slightly increased risk of PID near the time of insertion, compared with women using other contraceptives or no contraceptive at all. However, this risk is greatly reduced if a woman is tested for STI's (and treated, if necessary) before an IUD is inserted.
Often PID can be asymptomatic, meaning there are no symptoms. It can be an acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (long-term) infection. Symptoms of acute PID can include:
If you have any of these symptoms, please contact 132 Healthwise to arrange an appointment so we can determine the cause of your PID.
Without treatment, PID can cause permanent damage to the female reproductive organs. About 1 in 8 women with PID become infertile and if a woman has multiple episodes of PID, her chances of becoming infertile increase.
PID is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are often subtle and mild. Because there are no precise tests for PID, a diagnosis is usually based on clinical findings. If symptoms such as lower abdominal pain are present, the doctor should perform a physical examination to determine the nature and location of the pain and check for fever, abnormal vaginal or cervical discharge, and for evidence of gonorrheal or chlamydial infection. It is recommended that a screen for these infections be performed during your examination or appointment. If the findings suggest PID, treatment is necessary.
A pelvic ultrasound may also be used for diagnosing PID. An ultrasound can view the pelvic area to see whether the fallopian tubes are enlarged or whether an abscess is present. In some cases, a laparoscopy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a lighted end (laparoscope) is inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen. This procedure enables the doctor to view the internal pelvic organs and to take specimens if needed.
It is essential that the sexual partners of women with PID are examined and where necessary treated to prevent reinfection.
If you think you have PID, please contact 132 Healthwise for an appointment
