Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection that can affect the female reproductive organs.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A Common and Serious Infection of the Female Reproductive Organs

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition that affects millions of women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) worldwide. It is an infection of the upper genital tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic peritoneum. PID can cause severe and chronic complications, such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and cancer. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms, causes, and treatments of PID, and how to prevent it.

Causes Of PID

PID is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which are two of the most common reportable infectious diseases and STIs in the US. These bacteria can spread from the vagina or cervix to the upper reproductive organs, where they can cause inflammation and damage. PID can also be caused by other bacteria that are normally found in the vagina, such as those associated with bacterial vaginosis, or by bacteria that enter the reproductive tract during menstruation, childbirth, abortion, or insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD).

Symptoms Of PID

The symptoms of PID can vary from mild to severe, and some people may not have any symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of PID are:

  • Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen or pelvis
  • Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odour
  • Unusual bleeding from the vagina, especially during or after sex, or between periods
  • Pain during sex
  • Fever, sometimes with chills
  • Painful, frequent, or difficult urination

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. PID can be diagnosed based on your medical history, signs and symptoms, pelvic exam, and laboratory tests. Sometimes, additional tests, such as ultrasound, laparoscopy, or endometrial biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

Treatments Of PID

PID can be treated with antibiotics that can kill the bacteria causing the infection. However, antibiotics cannot reverse any scarring or damage that has already occurred in the reproductive organs. For this reason, it is critical to receive treatment early, before the infection causes permanent complications. The treatment of PID may include:

  • A combination of oral and intramuscular antibiotics for 14 days, usually doxycycline and a cephalosporin, with or without metronidazole
  • Hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics for severe cases, pregnant people, or those with tubo-ovarian abscesses or surgical emergencies
  • Treatment of sexual partners to prevent reinfection or transmission of STIs
  • Abstinence from sexual intercourse until the infection is cured and the symptoms have resolved

Prevention Of PID

The best way to prevent PID is to avoid getting STIs in the first place. This can be done by:

  • Practising safe sex, such as using condoms and dental dams
  • Having fewer sexual partners and being faithful to one partner
  • Getting tested and treated for STIs regularly, especially if you are sexually active and younger than 25 years old, or if you have symptoms or risk factors for STIs
  • Talking to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy, oral contraceptives, and IUDs
  • Considering preventive surgery or medication if you have a high risk of PID due to genetic mutations or family history

Conclusion

PID is a common and serious infection of the female reproductive organs that can have long-term consequences for your health and fertility. By being aware of the symptoms, causes, and treatments of PID, and taking steps to prevent it or find it early, you can reduce your risk and improve your outcomes.

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