Pelvic Inflamatory Disease

If you are having difficulties becoming pregnant or have recently noticed symptoms of abdominal pain and tenderness, you may be suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious infection that can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs. It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symtpoms of pelvic inflammatory disease so that you can seek immediate treatment.

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that affects a woman's reproductive organs. If you have PID, it can infect your ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes and other tissues within your reproductive system. PID is most common among sexually active women between the ages of 15 and 25. If left untreated, PID can result in infertility.

What Causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

PID is caused by a germ that somehow navigates its way into your body. Usually, this germ is introduced to the uterus during sexual intercourse. Sometimes though, PID can be caused by the transmission of infection through the bloodstream. PID can occur as a result of:

  • a miscarriage or abortion
  • labor and delivery

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

If you have PID, you will probably experience specific symptoms associated with the disease. However, some women will exhibit only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. It is important to see your health care provider every year for an examination.

Symptoms of PID include:

  • abdominal pain or tenderness
  • pelvic pain during intercourse
  • smelly yellow or green vaginal discharge
  • irregular periods
  • fever or chills
  • mild to severe nausea

Diagnosing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

It is fairly straightforward for your health care provider to diagnose a case of PID. She will ask you about your symptoms and will perform a pelvic exam in order to assess any pain or vaginal discharge. She will also perform various blood tests and cervical swabs to find out the cause of your symptoms.

A laparascopy may be required in order to firm up the diagnosis. This surgical procedure uses a small microscope to look inside your pelvis. You will be placed under anesthesia and a small incision is made beneath your naval. The laparascope is then inserted inside in order to view your organs. If your ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes are inflammed, it is likely you have PID.

Table of Contents
1. Pelvic Inflamatory Disease
2. Tips to reduce PID
 
 
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