Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, occurs when female reproductive organs become infected. The reproductive system is the part of the body involved in getting pregnant and having a baby.

Causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease #

• Bacteria entering the reproductive tract often cause pelvic inflammatory disease.

• These bacteria are passed from the vagina, through the cervix, into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, and into the pelvis.

• Normally, when bacteria enter the vagina, the cervix keeps them from spreading deeper to other reproductive organs. But sometimes, the cervix becomes infected from an STI like gonorrhea and chlamydia.

• When that happens, it’s less able to keep bacteria out.

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease #

• Pain or tenderness in the stomach or lower abdomen (belly), the most common symptom.

• Abnormal vaginal discharge, usually yellow or green with an unusual odor.

• Chills or fever.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Pain during sex.

• Burning when you pee.

• Irregular periods or having spotting or cramping throughout the month.

• Pain in the right upper abdomen, less often.

Diagnosis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease #

• Blood tests.

• Urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection, which causes similar pelvic pain.

• Ultrasound to get clearer images of the reproductive system.

In some cases, your provider may recommend:

• Endometrial biopsy to remove and test a small tissue sample from the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.

• Laparoscopy, a surgery using small incisions and a lighted instrument to look closely at reproductive organs.

• Culdocentesis, with a needle inserted behind the vagina to remove fluid for examination. This procedure is much more rare then it used to be, but is sometimes helpful.

Prevention of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease #

Limit sexual partners #

Your risk increases if you have multiple partners.

Choose barrier methods of birth control #

These types of birth control include condoms and diaphragms. Combine a barrier method with spermicide, even if you take birth control pills.

Seek treatment if you notice symptoms #

If you notice signs of PID or other STIs, get treatment right away. Symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or bleeding between periods.

Get regular checkups #

Have regular gynecological exams and screenings. Often, providers can identify and treat cervical infections before they spread to reproductive organs.

Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease #

• Your provider will prescribe antibiotics that you take by mouth.

• Make sure to take all your medicine, even if you start feeling better.

• Often, your symptoms improve before the infection goes away.

• Your provider may recommend you return a few days after starting the medicine.

• They can check that treatment is working.

• Some people take antibiotics and still have symptoms.

• If that happens, you may need to go to the hospital to receive medicine through an IV.

You may also need IV medication if you:

• Are pregnant.

• Have a severe infection and feel very sick.

• Have an abscess (collection of pus) in your fallopian tube or ovary.