Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection which can lead to life-threatening complications if not properly treated. PID affects a woman's uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or surrounding tissues. While a number of microorganisms might cause PID, most often it is caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Each year an estimated one million women are treated for acute PID in the United States. Young single women with more than one sex partner make up the majority of cases.
How does it occur?
PID is caused by the spread of microorganisms from the lower genital tract (vagina and cervix) to the upper genital tract.
Pelvic inflammatory disease may occur:
- from untreated sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, or other infections spreading from the lower genital tract into the cervix, uterus and/or fallopian tubes.
- after a miscarriage, abortion, or childbirth
- from naturally occurring or sexually transmitted bacteria that travel up the IUD (intrauterine device), which some people use for contraception
- from douching – women who douche once – twice a month are more likely to have PID
Sometimes the cause of PID cannot be determined.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of PID include one or more of the following:
- pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen
- abnormally heavy vaginal discharge with a strong unpleasant odor
- irregular or heavy menstrual periods
- pain, which may be severe, during sexual intercourse
- flu-like symptoms such as fever, general discomfort, fatigue, back pain, or vomiting
- urinary symptoms – burning or pain with urination
Some women have no to mild symptoms. Regular check-ups for sexually active women are very important for this reason.
How is it diagnosed?
The provider does a pelvic exam, in-depth medical history, and may take a sample of vaginal discharge for analysis to determine the cause of the infection.
In some cases, a laparoscopy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A laparoscopy is a minor surgical procedure in which a small incision is made in the abdomen to enable a health care provider to view the internal pelvic structures.
Can PID be cured?
PID can be cured with antibiotics. However, when the infection is cured, there is still the chance that there has been permanent damage to the reproductive organs making it difficult for pregnancy to occur or, in some cases, causing infertility.
How long will the effects last?
If nothing is done to treat the infection, it could be spread to other parts of your body or create an abscess in the fallopian tubes or ovaries which can cause scarring or blocking of the tubes and result in infertility. Surgery may be the only way to correct a blockage in your reproductive system. Call your provider if your condition does not begin to improve within 72 hours after you start treatment or if new symptoms develop.
- See your provider as soon as you notice any symptoms.
- Take all medications as directed.
- Do not have sexual intercourse until you and your partners are cured.
- Rest and take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin for pain relief.
- If your provider thinks your infection may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease, your sexual partner must be examined and treated as well
What can be done to help prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
The best way to decrease your risk for PID is to prevent STDs.
The following practices may help prevent STDs:
- Have just one sexual partner who has sex only with you (mutual monogamy).
- Use latex condoms to reduce the risk of infection.
- Abstain from sexual intercourse.
Unfortunately, sometimes there may be nothing you can do to keep PID from recurring.