Pelvic Inflamatory Disease (PID)
PID is a progressive infection that harms a woman's reproductive system. PID occurs throughout the pelvic area, in the fallopian tubes, the uterus, the lining of the uterus, and in the ovaries. Especially if untreated, PID can lead to sterility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain. The more episodes of PID a woman has, the greater are her chances of becoming infertile. PID is not always the result of a sexually transmitted infection — but in most cases it is. The sexually transmitted infections that most commonly cause PID are gonorrhea and chlamydia. More than one million U.S. women have an acute episode of PID every year. It is believed that millions of other cases go undiscovered.
Common symptoms
- unusually long or painful periods, and unusual vaginal discharge
- spotting and pain between menstrual periods or during urination
- pain in the lower abdomen and back
- fever, chills
- nausea, vomiting
- pain during intercourse
Treatment: Antibiotics, bed rest, and sexual abstinence. Surgery may be required to remove abscesses or scar tissue, or to repair or remove reproductive organs.
Diagnosis
- pelvic exam
- blood tests
- microscopic examination and/or culture of vaginal and cervical secretions
- laparoscopy — an optical instrument is inserted through a small cut in the navel to look at the reproductive organs
Symptoms can be confused with those of appendicitis and other infections. Diagnosis can be difficult if patients are too embarrassed to admit sexual activity.
Protection: Condoms reduce the risk of infections commonly associated with PID.
Updated 2005.
© 2005 Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. All rights reserved.
|
