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PID: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) is an infection of a the female pelvic organs – the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can affect the fallopian tubes also the tissue in and around the uterus and ovaries.

It can be treated and cured with antibiotics. However if left untreated, PID can lead to very serious conditions such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain and other problems.

PID is caused by bacteria which can move upward from the vagina or cervix into the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. Many types of bacteria can cause PID, but bacteria found in Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are the most frequent causes. Following infection, PID can develop in a few days, to take some months.

Women at an increased risk of contracting PID include those who already have an STD, especially gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, and sexually active women under 25. Those with more than one sex partner, or whose partner has more than one sex partner, are at significantly increased risk for obvious reasons.

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENT

The symptoms van vary a great deal; from no symptoms at all to severe and debilitating. When caused by Chlamydia for example, there may be no symptoms. Chlamydia itself often causes no symptoms, especially in women. Even with no symptoms, PID can cause serious damage to a woman's fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries.Symptoms of PID can include:

• Pain in the lower abdominal area.
• Fever.
• Unusual vaginal discharge that may have a foul odor.
• Pain during  intercourse.
• Irregular menstrual bleeding.
• Pain during a pelvic exam.

PID can be cured with antibiotics, but it should be remembered that any damage already done to the pelvic organs will not be 'undone'. This obviously means that early treatment for PID is extremely important. The longer someone waits to seek advice and  treatment, the more likely she is to become infertile or to have  an ectopic pregnancy.

PLEASE NOTE:
The information provided is intended only as a general guide to provide an overview of the condition. It must not be relied upon for any medical purpose.
Symptoms can vary a great deal from person to person, and the symptoms for various conditions can be identical.  
We therefore advise strongly against any self-diagnosis or self treatment based on this information and indeed, as a general principle.

The identification and treatment of any condition should be conducted only by a medical professional after due consultation.

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