Pelvic Inflammatory Disease & Its Symptoms

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is basically an infection in the female reproductive organs. It occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread to your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. According to an estimate of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, PID is a common health condition that affects almost 1 million women in the U.S every year. 

It is essential to know the causes and symptoms of the pelvic inflammatory disease for effective treatment and prevention.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Symptoms

The symptoms of the pelvic inflammatory disease can be mild and difficult to identify. Some women do not show any symptoms even though they are affected by it. Listed below are some common signs and symptoms of PID:

• Pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen
• Abnormal vaginal discharge 
• Painful urination
• The foul smell of the vaginal discharge
• Fever
• Pain during sex
• Unusual uterine bleeding 

However, if you experience the following symptoms, you need to see a doctor for urgent medical help:

• Severe abdominal pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• High fever 
• Foul vaginal discharge

If you experience any of the conditions listed above, rush to your doctor. Do not wait for the symptoms to get acute. It is wise to get PID treated early; otherwise, you may get the infection in your bloodstream or some other areas of your body. It will be a life-threatening situation for you, so take care of it. Also, avoid having sex if you experience painful urination, vaginal discharge with smell, or bleeding other than periods.

Risk Factors for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

If you are suffering from chlamydia or gonorrhea, the chance of getting PID increases. Also, it is possible to have the PID even if you don’t have any history of STI. Some common risk factors include:

• Regular douching
• Having sex without any protection (condom)
• Having multiple sex partners
• Having intimate relationships when you are younger than 25 years
• Already having a history of PID or STI
• Having sex with a person who has multiple sex partners

What are the Causes of PID?

Knowing the cause of pelvic inflammatory disease allows you to get rid of the problem by avoiding the contributing factors.

Different kinds of bacteria may serve as the cause of PID, but chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common. Usually, these bacteria enter your body due to unprotected sexual intercourse. The bacteria can also enter your reproductive tract when the natural barrier created by the cervix is disturbed. It may occur after abortion, miscarriage, or childbirth. Initially, the bacteria enter the vagina and cause an infection. Afterward, the infection can move into pelvic organs.

If the infection spreads to your blood, it becomes a life-threatening situation for you. So, you need to consult with a doctor and know the cause as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms.

Ways to Prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The following are some of the preventive methods to deal with the disease. The possibility of PID can be lowered by:

• Avoiding douches
• Getting tested for STI
• Keeping yourself clean to prevent bacteria
• Having protected sex. Use condoms when having sex with a new partner.

Final Thoughts

If you have some risks or symptoms that signal towards Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, consult with your doctor. After proper examination and some tests, they will provide you with a precise diagnosis of your health situation. Based on the diagnosis, they will plan your treatment. 

You can visit Euromed® Clinic Center for a checkup and PID treatment. Our expert doctors will examine you and help you get rid of the infection. So, what are you waiting for? Book your appointment now.