PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
What is it?Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is not a single disease, but a catagory of infection and inflammation that can affect one or more of the following:
- Uterus
- Fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
- Peritoneum (the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity)
PID is thought to be caused by the spread of microorganisms or bacteria from the cervix upward. The infection process may be chronic (low-grade infection and symptoms over a period of time) or acute (sudden onset of very noticeable symptoms). The result may be infertility from scarring of the tubes and ovaries.
Symptoms
One or more symptoms may indicate PID. If you have symptoms, confer with your medical practitioner.
- Low abdominal and/or back pain and tenderness.
- Increased pain during physical activity, intercourse, or menstruation.
- Irregular bleeding between periods.
- General malaise (not feeling well) or fatigue.
- Unusual vaginal discharge at any time.
- Fever and Chills.
What causes PID?
A bacterium called Chlamydia has been associated with 30-60 percent of all cases of PID. PID is the most common and important complication of gonorrhea, but most cases of PID are not causes by gonorrhea. Other causes include the spread of other bacteria, or microorganisms.
Where does PID come from?
Researchers are not sure about all the different ways organisms that cause PID get into the pelvic area to cause infection. The most logical way is from the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterine cavity, and then to the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Therefore, sexual intercourse is a major mode of transmission.
Other factors that create a susceptibility to PID:
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Multiple sexual partners.
- Using an IUD (intrauterine device), especially if you are a woman exposed to sexually transmitted disease or you have more than one partner.
- Previous history of PID.
Treatment and care
Many times PID can be treated by antibiotics, extra rest, and care at home. Sometimes it is important to be hospitalized for better control of infection, with antibiotics given intravenously.
When PID is treated at home, it is very important to observe the following:
- Rest--extra naps and early to bed.
- Extra fruit juice and other fluids.
- Local heat with hot baths, a heating pad, or hot water bottle can increase comfort.
- Take all medication on schedule.
What about men?
Chlamydia and gonnorrhea cause burning with urination and a discharge from the penis in half or fewer of the cases contacted. Both can also cause infections further up the urethral tract, resulting in epididymitis or prostatitis. Symptoms are general pelvic pain, pain with urination, penile discharge, or blood in the urine. Because symptoms do not always occur, there is always a concern about unknowingly carrying the bacteria and exposing or re-exposing your sexual partner. For this reason, it is always wise to treat both partners when one is ill, even if symptoms are not present in the other person.
Complications
Scarring of the fallopian tubes resulting from PID is the leading cause of infertility. Damage may occur in women after the first episode of infection. The rate of scarring increases with three or more infections.
Another important concern is the increased likelihood of a pregnancy occuring in a tube instead of the uterus. This problem requires surgery to remove the pregnancy before the tube ruptures.
Prevention
PID can be difficult to prevent, so it is important to consider the factors which increase susceptibility. Tests have shown that using a condom during intercourse limits the spread of microorganisms. The best prevention of complications of PID is early diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect you have symptoms of PID and have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease or other major contributor to the disease, then consult a medical practitioner right away.
