Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is cause by a bacterial infection that has progress to the female reproduction organs, (cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). PID begins when a female has or has had a vaginal infection. The most common cause of PID is Chlamydia (50% of PID cases have Chlamydia). Followed by gonorrhoea (in 15% of cases) as the next main source of PID. Different types of organisms can cause not all are from STD's. PID Other sources of PID can be caused by an abortion or giving birth. Not everyone with PID has had an STD, the same as not every STD will lead to a PID outbreak. Women who douche put themselves at a higher risk from PID because they wash away the vaginas natural protection from infections.

PID damages the fallopian tubes and ovaries, making it difficult for a woman to become pregnant, or increasing the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (which can lead to death) or making her infertile. PID can cause chronic pain in the lower back and pelvic area and the formation of internal abscess.

In the USA alone more than 1,000,000 females will have an acute case of PID and over 100,000 become sterile each year from PID. About 150 women in the USA die from PID each year. The high risk groups of women that are likely to get PID are sexually active and under 25 years of age because the cervix is not fully matured at this age increasing their risk to STD's linked to PID.

Symptoms

Symptoms may range from none to sever and may include the following:

• Fever
• Unusual vaginal discharge that may have a foul odour
• Painful intercourse
• Painful urination
• Irregular menstrual bleeding

Because PID might not show any signs at all, almost two thirds of all women with PID go undiagnosed. Symptoms can be subtle and women might pass them off as period cramps without ever thinking it could be PID. There are no tests for PID it is usually diagnosed from symptoms and medical history of the female. A pelvic ultrasound and or laparoscopy may show damage to the fallopian tubes or ovaries to help diagnose PID.

PID can be cured with antibiotics.

Antibiotics can cure PID but they cannot undo the damage already done, so it is important to have yourself checked out if you think anything may be wrong in your pelvic area. Different type of antibiotics are used depending on the cause of the infection, because more than one organism maybe the cause of PID, PID is usually treated with at least two antibiotics.

How do I lower my risk factor?

• Less sexual partners until age 25
• Knowing the sexual history of sexual partners
• Use of condoms
• Do not douche
• An annual check up for STD's like Chlamydia would benefit until aged 25
• An annual gyno exam and Pap smear would also benefit you.
• Do not have an IUD fitted until after 25 years of age or you have given birth. (slight risk of PID just after insertion)

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