PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID) WHAT IS PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE? Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition that causes your reproductive organs to become inflamed. Your reproductive organs include your ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix (lower area of your uterus), and vagina CAUSES OF PID PID is an infection caused by bacteria or viruses. The infection may start in your vagina and spread upward through your cervix. The infection may then spread to your uterus and into your tubes and ovaries. PID may also spread to other areas of your abdomen. Causes of PID include the following: Vaginal infections develop when the normal vaginal bacteria suddenly increase. A vaginal infection may then lead to PID. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread by having sex with an infected partner. STIs that commonly cause PID are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). PID often occurs if an STI is not treated. WHAT INCREASE MY RISK FOR PID? Uterine procedures may damage your cervix and cause PID. Your cervix helps block germs from entering into your reproductive organs. The following may increase your risk: A new sexual partner within the last 3 months, or more than 1 partner Past STI or PID Sex at a young age Abortion An x-ray of your uterus and tubes using an injection of dye Intrauterine insemination (injecting sperm directly into your uterus) In vitro fertilization Use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control. However, the small increased risk is mostly limited to the first three weeks after the IUD is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK OF GETTING PID? The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting PID: • Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results; • Using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PID? Fever Nausea or vomiting Pain during sex, especially if your PID is new Lower abdominal or back pain Green or yellow discharge from your vagina that may have an unusual or bad smell Vaginal bleeding or spotting during or after sex or bleeding in between your monthly periods HOW IS PID DIAGNOSED • Be examined by your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms; • Promptly see a doctor if you think you or your sex partner(s) have or were exposed to an STD; • Promptly see a doctor if you have any genital symptoms such as an unusual sore, a smelly discharge, burning when peeing, or bleeding between periods; • Get a test for chlamydia every year if you are sexually active and younger than 25 years of age. • Have an honest and open talk with your health care provider if you are sexually active and ask whether you should be tested for other STDs HOW IS PID TREATED? Antibiotics are given to fight a bacterial infection. . Surgery may be needed to treat problems related to PID. If you have an abscess on your tubes or ovaries, you may need surgery to drain it. WHAT CAN I DO TO MANAGE PID? Finish your treatment. If you do not finish your treatment for PID, your infection may not go away. You may also have an increased risk for another STI in the future. Do not have sex until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will need to finish treatment before it is safe to have sex. Do not have unprotected sex. Always use a latex condom. Do not have sex while you or your partners are being treated for an STI. Talk to your sex partners. If you have an STI, tell your recent partners. Tell them to see a healthcare provider for testing and treatment. This will help stop the spread of infection to others or back to you. COMPLICATIONS OF PID • Formation of scar tissue both outside and inside the fallopian tubes that can lead to tubal blockage; • Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb); • Infertility (inability to get pregnant); • Long-term pelvic/abdominal pain.