STDS/STIS

PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)

Description

The most common and serious issue a woman can deal with next to HIV/AIDs is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This STD/STI can affect the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other internal structures related to the genitalia. PID Is caused by microorganisms inside the urethra and cervix getting into the upper genital tract. PID is usually caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia but other microorganisms can cause it.

Symptoms

People who suffer from PID experience lower abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal discharge. They may also experience fever, pain during sexual intercourse, and irregular menstrual bleeding. When PID is caused by chlamydial will produce only minor symptoms or no symptoms at all, so make sure you get a Pap test done to prevent serious damage to your reproductive organs.

Usually a women who is suffering from tubal infertility will have no symptoms of PID. The infection will show little to no symptoms and cause scarring of the fallopian tubes. This can cause tubal pregnancy which is life threatening to the mother, and almost always fatal to her fetus. The most permanent effects of PID are Infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and internal scarring occur which happens in approximately one out of every five women who contract PID.

Once infected with PID you will also be more open to infection a second time. Almost one-third of the women who contract PID will have the disease again during their lifetime. Further each episode increases the risk of infertility, scarring, and chronic pelvic pain.

Transmission

PID is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection. Usually the culprits are responsible for PID are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. They are spread by Vaginal, Anal and (rarely) Oral sex.

The women most at risk are younger women with multiple sexual partners. To help prevent PID, always use a condom or latex barrier during intercourse with a partner who's sexual history you are unsure of. Further, women who douche monthly are also more at risk than those who douche less than once a month. Douching can help bacteria get deep into your genital tract, causing PID.

Treatment

Ensure the doctor performs a physical examination to determine the nature and location of any pain. The doctor should also check to see if you have a fever, abnormal vaginal or cervical discharge, and look for evidence of a cervical Chlamydia infection or Gonorrhea. If he finds that you may have PID, your doctor will begin to treat you immediately.

Since PID can be caused by multiple organisms your doctor will prescribe at least two antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacteria and other infections. If the symptoms go away after beginning treatment you need to finish taking all of the prescribed medication. Remember to get looked at two to three days after treatment has began to have your doctor make sure the antibiotics are curing your infection.

Some women with PID must be hospitalized due to the patient being severely ill; needing intravenous antibiotics; is pregnant or is an adolescent. If it is suspected that you have appendicitis or if you are infected with HIV/AIDS they may also keep you in the hospital for further observation.

Remember if you have contracted PID, you should talk to anyone you have had or are having sexual relations with. These people should be treated even if they do not have symptoms to prevent re-infection or the spread of the illness to others.

Do not let any abnormal condition go unchecked. See a physician promptly if you believe you have PID or any other STD/STI. If you are unhappy with your physician's assessment of your condition you should seek a new doctor for a second opinion.