In this article:
What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection occurring in the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It usually happens when bacteria move upward from the vagina or cervix into these organs. Infections from untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhoea are often the cause of PID.How Does Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Affect Fertility?
Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause serious damage inside your reproductive system that may affect your ability to conceive. PID can affect fertility through:- Fallopian tube damage: Scarring or blockage that can stop eggs from travelling to the uterus.
- Uterine changes: Inflammation that can affect the lining needed for implantation.
- Risk of ectopic pregnancy: When fertilised eggs implant outside the uterus due to damaged tubes.
Who is at PID Risk?
Several factors may increase your risk of developing PID, which include:- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having a partner who has had multiple sexual partners
- Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse
- A history of PID
- A history of sexually transmitted diseases
- Becoming sexually active at a young age (below 25)
- Douching (process of rinsing or cleaning the inside of the vagina with a liquid solution)
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of PID
The signs and symptoms of PID in certain cases may be mild, making them difficult to recognise. And in some cases, there may be no signs or symptoms at all. However, when the signs and symptoms of PID become noticeable, they may include:- Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unusual vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell
- Pain or bleeding during or after intercourse
- Fever or chills
- Painful or frequent urination
- Irregular periods
- Cramping or spotting throughout the month
How is PID Diagnosed?
If you notice symptoms of PID, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early PID diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of a complete recovery.There is no single test to diagnose PID, but your healthcare provider may use several methods, including:
- Asking about your medical history, including overall health, sexual activity, and symptoms.
- Performing a pelvic exam to check your reproductive organs and identify any tenderness or abscesses (pockets of pus).
- Taking a vaginal sample to check for bacterial infections.
- Blood tests
- Urine tests to rule out urinary tract infections, which can cause similar pain
- Ultrasound to get a detailed view of your reproductive organs
- Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
How is PID Treated?
Timely treatment with medicines can clear the infection causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). However, any scarring or damage already done to the reproductive organs cannot be reversed. Various PID Treatment options usually include:- Antibiotics: Your doctor will start a combination of antibiotics right away. Once your test results are back, they may adjust your medicines to target the specific infection. You will likely have a follow-up appointment after three days to ensure the treatment is working. It’s important to take the full course of medicines, even if you start to feel better.
- Treatment for your partner: If your PID is linked to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), your partner(s) also need to be checked and treated to prevent reinfection. They may not show any symptoms, but could still carry the infection.
- Temporary abstinence: Avoid sexual activity until you and your partner have completed treatment and your symptoms have completely resolved.
- Hospital treatment: If you are pregnant, very unwell, have a suspected abscess, or if oral medicines are not working, you may need to stay in hospital. Here, you’ll be given antibiotics through a drip, followed by oral antibiotics at home.
- Surgery: Rarely, surgery may be needed if an abscess bursts or is at risk of bursting. It might also be done if antibiotics do not work or if the diagnosis is uncertain.
Prevention Tips to Protect Your Reproductive Health
While PID cannot always be prevented, there are important steps you can take to lower your risk. The various steps to preventing PID include:- Practice safe sexual activity by using condoms and limiting sexual partners.
- Use barrier contraceptives like condoms or diaphragms for STI protection.
- Get regular STI screenings to catch infections early.
- Ensure your partner is tested and treated to prevent the risk of reinfection.
- Avoid douching as it disrupts healthy vaginal bacteria.
- Seek prompt medical care for unusual symptoms.
- Schedule regular gynaecological check-ups for early detection of issues.
PID Complications
Untreated PID may lead to complications such as:- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Severe pelvic pain
- Infertility
- Tubo-ovarian abscess
Living Well After PID: Supporting Your Overall Health
Recovery from PID is not just physical; mental well-being is also important. You can support your health by:- Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise to boost immunity.
- Managing stress through meditation, counselling, or hobbies.
- Keeping open communication with your healthcare team about any concerns.
- Staying informed about your reproductive health to make empowered choices.
FAQs on Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Its Effect on Fertility
- When should I see my healthcare provider about PID?
You should see your healthcare provider if you notice any symptoms of PID. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
-Severe lower abdominal pain
-Foul-smelling or discoloured vaginal discharge
-Intense vomiting
-High fever - Does every case of PID lead to infertility?
Not all cases affect fertility, but untreated or recurrent PID increases the risk of infertility or other complications. - Can PID be fully cured with treatment?
When diagnosed early, PID can be treated effectively.
