Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Symptoms & Causes

Overview

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
• Occurs often due to sexually transmitted bacteria spreading from the vagina.
• Untreated PID can lead to scar tissue and abscesses, causing permanent damage.
• Symptoms can be mild or absent, making PID hard to diagnose until complications arise.

Symptoms

• Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis (mild to severe).
• Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge, possibly with an unpleasant odor.
• Unusual bleeding, especially during or after intercourse, or between periods.
• Pain during sex.
• Fever, sometimes accompanied by chills.
• Painful, frequent, or difficult urination.

When to See a Doctor

• Immediate medical care is needed for severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fever above 101°F (38.3°C), or foul vaginal discharge.
• Even with non-severe symptoms, see a healthcare provider promptly.

Causes

• Commonly caused by bacteria from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• Bacteria can enter the reproductive tract during menstruation, after childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
• Rarely, insertion of an IUD or medical procedures involving uterine instruments can introduce bacteria.

Risk Factors

• Being sexually active and under 25 years old.
• Having multiple sexual partners.
• Engaging with partners who have multiple sexual partners.
• Unprotected sex.
• Regular douching, which disrupts vaginal bacterial balance.
• History of PID or STIs.
• Increased risk shortly after IUD insertion.

Complications

• Ectopic Pregnancy: Scarring in fallopian tubes can cause ectopic pregnancies, leading to life-threatening conditions.
• Infertility: Damage to reproductive organs can cause infertility, with increased risk from repeated PID incidents or delayed treatment.
• Chronic Pelvic Pain: Pain can persist for months or years due to scarring.
• Tubo-Ovarian Abscess: Abscesses can form in the reproductive tract, leading to severe infections if untreated.

Prevention

• Safe Sex Practices: Use condoms, limit partners, and inquire about partners' sexual histories.
• Contraception Discussions: Barrier methods like condoms reduce risk; oral contraceptives do not prevent STIs.
• Regular Testing: Early STI detection and treatment can prevent PID.
• Partner Testing: Ensure partners are tested and treated to prevent STI spread and PID recurrence.
• Avoid Douching: It disrupts bacterial balance in the vagina.

For further details, refer to the original Mayo Clinic article on their website.