Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive system that can have serious impacts on health and fertility. PID is usually associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it can also be caused by other bacteria and procedures,
PID can be mild or very serious, so awareness of PID can help identify it early. You may not know you have it, or you could experience serious symptoms, such as pelvic pain, odorous vaginal discharge, fever, and other symptoms. Due to the possible formation of scar tissue, PID can affect fertility, making it difficult to get pregnant.
PID Symptoms
PID can cause a range of symptoms, from fever and abdominal pain to unusual vaginal bleeding and difficulty urinating. One of the hallmarks of PID is pelvic pain with vaginal discharge.
Knowing your body will help you identify symptoms that are not normal for you. You should always reach out to your healthcare providers if you are concerned about symptoms like fever, vomiting, vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and abnormal bleeding. These could be associated with PID, and they are all valid reasons to seek medical care.
Preventing PID
According to Mayo Clinic, the women who are most at risk for PID are those who are under 25 and sexually active with multiple partners. However, others can also contract PID through unprotected sex.
Safe sex is the best way to prevent PID. That means using condoms, especially when a person has multiple sex partners. Condoms create a barrier that prevents the spread of many STIs, which are the primary cause of PID. Gonorrhea and chlamydia infections are commonly associated with PID, and unprotected intercourse exposes you to these and other sexually transmitted infections.
Treating PID
PID should be treated as soon as it is detected. Without treatment, PID can progress to a point where scar tissue or abscesses form in the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. The scar tissue can cause pain during sex and difficulty conceiving. Abscesses may burst, causing pain, bleeding, and life-threatening conditions in your body.
Following a complete exam by an OBGYN, including a pelvic exam, bacterial swabs, and urine tests, treatment for PID usually involves a course of antibiotics. If an STI is also detected or suspected as the cause of PID, your sex partners should also be tested for STIs. Their treatment will prevent you from getting infected again. While PID can have long-term effects on fertility, it is relatively easy to prevent PID by using condoms during sex. If you suspect an STI or PID or have other gynecological concerns, see your OBGYN for an exam and treatment. With locations in West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Indianola, West Des Moines OBGYN Associates, P.C. welcomes new patients. Make an appointment today.
