Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes which is caused by bacteria, gonorrhea or chlamydia growth. PID occurs when an infection goes untreated. Some of the complications include: damage or scarring of the fallopian tubes; this can cause sterility and place a woman at higher risk for developing an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

The most common way to contract PID is through sexual contact with an infected partner. Other women at higher risk for developing PID include those women who are using the IUD as a method of birth control. Some medical researchers believe that a woman who has many sexual partners is slow at higher risk for developing the infection. This has not yet been adequately substantiated.

In 80% of cases, women with gonorrhea have no symptoms and therefore can go untreated. After a period of time, the infection will travel into the uterus, tubes and ovaries causing some of the following symptoms:

Pain and cramping in the lower abdominal area
Diarrhea and vomiting
Pain with intercourse or bleeding
Fever
Unusual bleeding or discharge from the vagina

Sometimes pre-menstrual symptoms or ovulation can feel like PID; it is therefore important to have an exam by a nurse practitioner or physician to confirm your condition.

It is also important if treated for PID that you return for your follow-up exam. Since various viruses or bacteria can cause PID, the first treatment given to you might prove to be ineffective. Blood tests (measuring white blood cell count) can be preformed to insure that your infection is gone.

The following are suggested treatments:

Antibiotics.
Rest and avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.
Your partners should also be examined and treated if STD is the cause of PID.
Warm baths can ease discomfort.
If you are wearing an IUD, you should have it removed.
For pain or fever, take aspirin, aspirin substitutes, or drink comfrey tea.