Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
[Image illustrating the female upper reproductive system: uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries affected by PID]
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection and inflammation of the upper female reproductive organs, including the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, and ovaries. If left untreated, it can lead to abscesses (pockets of pus) in the tubes or ovaries and damage surrounding tissues.
Causes
PID is primarily caused by bacteria from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), most commonly Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. However, normal bacteria found in the vagina can also travel upward and cause infection.
Bacteria travel from the vagina through the cervix to the upper reproductive tract. Symptoms may appear within a few days or take months to develop. Other causes include infections following childbirth or as a result of an unsafe abortion.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is lower abdominal pain. Other signs include:
- Abnormal, yellowish, or pus-like vaginal discharge.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Fever and chills.
- Severe pain during sexual intercourse.
- Irregular spotting or vaginal bleeding.
- Pain in the upper right abdomen (under the ribs).
Treatment
- Antibiotics: It is critical to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the infection is completely cleared. Treatment usually lasts about 14 days.
- Hospitalization: Patients with severe symptoms—such as high fever, inability to tolerate oral meds due to vomiting, presence of a pelvic abscess, or pregnancy—will be admitted for intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
- Surgery: If the infection does not respond to antibiotics, surgery to drain an abscess or remove affected tissue (uterus/fallopian tubes) may be necessary.
Important Recommendations
- Abstinence: Refrain from sexual intercourse for 3–4 weeks until the reproductive system has fully recovered.
- IUD Removal: If you use an Intrauterine Device, it should be removed and an alternative birth control method used.
- Partner Treatment: If the cause is an STI, your partner must be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection.
- Complete Your Meds: Chronic or neglected PID can lead to permanent scarring of the fallopian tubes, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility.
- Avoid Self-Medication: Buying antibiotics without a prescription often results in incorrect dosing or choosing the wrong type of medicine, leading to drug-resistant bacteria and worsening of the disease.
Emergency Warning Signs
Seek medical help immediately if you experience a high fever with chills, severe lower abdominal pain, heavy discharge, or if you are unable to keep your medication down due to severe nausea/vomiting.
