Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the upper genital tract - that is, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other associated parts. At its worst, PID can cause infertility, chronic abdominal pain or even death. Fortunately, most forms of PID are treatable. Women under the age of 25 are more likely to develop PID than women who are older than 25 in part because they tend to have multiple sexual partners and also because of issues related to the “maturity” of their cervix and how susceptible it is to infection.
Causes
The most common cause for PID is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease such as Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. The bacteria move up the vagina into the uterus. Ordinarily, a cap of mucus that covers the cervix (the entrance from the vagina into the uterus) prevents the entrance of disease organisms into to the uterus, but during menstruation and ovulation this cap thins, allowing for easier passage of foreign bodies into the uterus.
Symptoms
PID is often characterized by lower abdominal pain and unusual vaginal discharge. Other less common symptoms may include fever, pain with intercourse, or irregular menstrual bleeding. However, no symptoms may be present at all.
Treatment
A doctor who diagnosis PID will typically prescribe a course of antibiotics. Hospitalization is sometimes necessary, if the infection is severe or if the patient is at risk due to pregnancy or any pre-existing infection such as HIV.
You can learn more about PID on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site by clicking here.
