Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is a progressive infection that harms a woman's reproductive system.

If untreated, infertility in women (unable to have children), life-threatening complications, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain.

The more episodes of PID a woman has, the greater are her chances of becoming infertile.

It is estimated that more than 1 million women experience an episode of acute PID.

Reproductive Organs Affected

•   Pelvic area

•   Fallopian tubes

•   Uterus and the lining of the uterus

•   Ovaries

 Transmission

•   Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the most common causes PID

•   An infection in the genital tract that does not get treated right away can cause PID

•   Douching

•   More sex partners, the greater her risk of developing PID

Signs/Symptoms

•   Dull pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen and back

•   Burning or pain when urinating

•   Unusually long or painful periods, and unusual vaginal discharge

•   Bleeding and pain between menstrual periods or during urination

•   Fever, chills

•   Nausea, vomiting

•   Pain during intercourse

 Treatment

•   Antibiotics, bed rest, and sexual abstinence

•   Antibiotic treatment does not reverse any damage that has already occurred to the reproductive organs

•   Surgery may be required to remove abscesses or scar tissue, or to repair or remove reproductive organs

•   Sex partners of patients who have PID should be examined and treated if they have had recent sexual contact to avoid re-infection

Prevention

•   The best way to avoid contracting PID is abstaining from sexual contact

•   Using latex condoms reduce the risk of infections commonly associated with PID