Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a relatively common infection, resulting in one in 60 visits to the doctor by women under 45 according to Bupa Healthcare. It can be caused by different things but over half of cases are a result of an STI infection: chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Bacteria in the vaginal canal travels upwards through the cervix to the fallopian tubes and ovaries and causes blockages and scarring. This makes pregnancy difficult and risky.
PID is not caused by a single bacterium, but rather a combination of several, which makes diagnosis and treatment more complicated as more than one antibiotic is required.
Who is at Risk From Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
PID can affect any woman but statistics have shown it is prevalent in the under 25s - perhaps as a result of a recurrent chlamydia infection, those with multiple sexual partners who have had unprotected sex (intercourse and oral). It has also been linked to abortion, miscarriage, childbirth (the introduction of bacteria to the vaginal canal), endometrial biopsy, appendicitis, and the use of the IUD/coil.
Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
The following symptoms will not occur in every instance so this list is a guideline only. Consult a GP if any of these symptoms occur, as they can be a sign of other bacterial infections such as chlamydia. Symptoms can also range from mild to severe:
- pelvic, lower stomach pain
- pain during sex (dyspareunia)
- vaginal discharge
- painful bottom
- temperature and/or nausea and sickness
Even if symptoms are mild, seek professional advice as it is important to treat any bacterial infection promptly to avoid complications and further damage to the reproductive organs.
Testing For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
There is no definitive test for PID and a doctor will make a diagnosis based on pelvic examination and a woman's symptoms. He or she may take a swab of vaginal fluid for further analysis. Blood tests and ultrasound scans are used to diagnose advanced cases of PID.
Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. In most cases it is treated using two or more kinds of antibiotics to rule out the different types of bacterium that cause it. These are typically Ofloxacin, Metronidazole, Ceftriaxone, and Doxycycline. A two-week course of antibiotics is recommended to eradicate the bacterium and avoid recurrent outbreaks. A doctor may also do a pregnancy test to rule out ectopic pregnancy, which produces some of these symptoms, and a urinary tract infection test.
If the infection is at a more advanced stage hospital treatment will be required. A laparoscopy is an internal procedure which examines the reproductive organs and can sometimes repair or unblock fallopian tubes which have been damaged or scarred because of PID or STIs such as chlamydia.
Personal Care
If PID is diagnosed or suspected a doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Timing is imperative and a few days can make a difference in terms of damage and scarring to the fallopian tubes. While a woman is undergoing treatment she needs to rest, stay warm, and avoid having sex until the infection clears up completely. Her partner and any ex-partners will need to be notified and tested. The infection should clear up within two weeks of commencing antibiotics. Ask friends and family to help out with chores and work to enable proper rest and relaxation.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a relatively common infection, which is easy to treat but the nature of the symptoms means it is not always easy to diagnose. Even if symptoms are mild it is best to seek medical opinion straight away to avoid any further damage to the reproductive organs if PID is diagnosed. To avoid recurrent infections practise safe sex using condoms with new partners until both of you have been tested. Review methods of contraception if the coil/IUD is causing problems.
Source:
Bupa.co.uk *"Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Factsheet" (accessed 28th February 2010)
rcog.org.uk *"Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease" (accessed 28th February 2010)
*"Sexually Transmitted Infection: Chlamydia" (accessed 28th February 2010)
cks.nhs.uk *"Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Factsheet" (accessed 28th February 2010)
Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
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