Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Introduction

     Pelvic inflammatory disease is a general term for infection of the lining of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, or the ovaries.

Causes

• It is caused by gonorrhea, chlamydial infections, Mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus polycystic ovary disease, or postpartum infections.

Risk Factors

• Sexual activity during adolescence

• Multiple sexual partners

• Oral contraceptives ("the pill")

• Intrauterine device used for contraception

• Childbirth

• Abortion

• Endometrial biopsy

Symptoms

• Fever or chills

• Low back pain

• Fatigue

• Lack of appetite

• Nausea

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Frequent urination

• Pain with urination

• Pelvic pain

• Pain during intercourse

• Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting

• Increased menstrual cramping

• No menstruation

• Ectopic pregnancies

• Infertility

Screening and Diagnostics

• Pelvic examination shows cervical discharge, cervical tenderness, a friable cervix, uterine tenderness, or ovarian tenderness.

• Blood test shows elevated white blood cells (WBC) and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

• An endocervical culture

• A laparoscopy

Treatment

• Hospitalization and antibiotic therapy against a wide range of infectious agents

• Sex partners should be treated

Complications  

     PID infections can cause scarring and adhesions of the pelvic organs, possibly leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.

Prevention  

     Preventive measure include:

• Practicing safer sex behaviors

• Following your doctor's recommendations after gynecological procedures

• Getting prompt treatment for sexually transmitted diseases

     The risk of PID can be reduced by getting regular STD screening exams. Couple can be tested for STDs before beginning sexual relations. Testing can detect STDs that may not be producing symptoms yet.