Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is the term for a genital infection which has spread to the female internal reproductive organs. More specifically, P.I.D. refers to an infection of any of a woman's pelvic organs. It can affect the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. The disease is caused by a variety of organisms but usually results due to an untreated case of gonorrhea or chlamydia. If PID is left untreated, it may result in sterility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pain and in rare cases even death.

What are the symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

The infection caused by PID has a wide range of symptoms which can often be confused with the diseases which typically precede PID; chlamydia or gonorrhea. In some cases women experience no symptoms at all. This underlines the importance of regular pelvic exams.

The symptoms of PID include: pain during intercourse, increased discomfort during menstruation, irregular periods, breakthrough bleeding between periods, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Other symptoms include general illness with fever and/or chills and weight loss.

How is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease contracted?

PID most often results as a complication of an untreated case of chlamydia or gonorrhea. Complications from chlamydia and gonorrhea are the cause 90% to 95% of the incidences of PID. Quite rarely complications from pregnancy or pelvic exams can result in PID.

How is the PID treated?

The infection can only be diagnosed through a pelvic exam. It is recommended as with all sexual health problems that you be as honest as possible with your physician about your sexual history, so that he/she may better diagnose the condition. PID can be treated with antibiotics, bed rest, and sexual abstinence. Close follow-up procedures are required to ensure that the infection is gone. Any woman being treated for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease should require all sexual partners to receive treatment as well.

Advanced cases of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease may require hospitalization. Please consult your health care professional to learn more about what treatments might be right for you.