Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a common yet serious infection of the female reproductive organs. It typically occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, leading to inflammation and potential long-term complications if left untreated.

This is a condition where one or more reproductive organs, like the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, get infected. The usual culprits behind PID are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

PID is quite widespread, affecting around 2.5 million individuals assigned female at birth in the U.S. over their lifetime. When left untreated, PID can lead to discomfort in the lower abdomen and can also interfere with fertility, making it more difficult to conceive.

Causes

The primary culprits behind pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea. When you engage in unprotected sex with someone carrying these infections, the bacteria can travel from your vagina or cervix to your reproductive organs, triggering PID. Additionally, another STI called Mycoplasma genitalium, caused by a bacterium, can also contribute to PID.

Furthermore, exposure to the bacteria responsible for PID can occur during various procedures or events, including:

1. Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.
2. Menstruation (your period).
3. Childbirth.
4. Abortion.
5. Uterine surgery.

Although less common, bacteria causing infections like the flu, pneumonia, and strep can also lead to PID.

Prevalence

PID affects millions of women worldwide each year, with young sexually active women at the highest risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 8 sexually active women will develop PID in their lifetime.

Can bacterial vaginosis (BV) cause PID?

Yes, although PID typically occurs after an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, infections that are not sexually transmitted, like bacterial vaginosis (BV), can also lead to PID. BV develops when there is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina.

Symptoms

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can sneak up on you without showing any symptoms initially. However, as the infection progresses, you may experience:

1. Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis.
2. Increased vaginal discharge, which may be green or yellow and have a foul odor.
3. Heavier bleeding than usual during menstruation.
4. Bleeding between periods.
5. Pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse.
6. Fever and chills.
7. Painful urination or difficulty urinating.
8. Nausea, vomiting, or a sensation of impending vomiting.

In severe cases, PID can manifest more intense symptoms, necessitating immediate medical attention. Seek medical help promptly if you experience:

1. Severe pain in your lower abdomen.
2. Signs of shock, such as fainting.
3. Vomiting.
4. Fever higher than 101°F.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing PID, including:

1. Engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners or having a partner who engages in sexual activity with others.
2. Regular douching.
3. Inconsistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse.
4. History of PID or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
5. Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.
6. Previous tubal ligation surgery.

Diagnosis

To diagnose pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), your doctor will gather information about your sexual history, including the number of sexual partners you’ve had and any previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They will also inquire about your symptoms.

During a pelvic exam, your doctor will check for any signs of swelling or pain in your cervix, uterus, and other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. They may collect a sample of fluid from your vagina and cervix for laboratory testing to detect STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Additional tests that you may undergo include:

1. Blood and urine tests to screen for STIs and detect any indications of other infections.
2. Ultrasound imaging to provide your doctor with a clearer view of the pelvic organs.

If the initial tests do not definitively confirm PID, your doctor may recommend a procedure known as laparoscopy. During laparoscopy, a thin scope with a light attached is inserted through a small incision in your lower abdomen to visually inspect your pelvic organs. Alternatively, your doctor might perform a biopsy, obtaining a small tissue sample from your uterus to test for infection.

If the results of the examination or tests suggest PID, your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment plan with you.

Treatment:

Treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) typically involves a course of antibiotics aimed at eradicating the bacteria responsible for the infection. Various antibiotics can effectively treat PID, including ceftriaxone, doxycycline, and metronidazole. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness.

It’s crucial to start treatment promptly to prevent the formation of scars in the pelvic region, as antibiotics cannot reverse existing scarring. Prompt initiation of treatment helps prevent long-term complications associated with PID.

Additionally, your sexual partner(s) needs to undergo antibiotic treatment as well, even if they do not exhibit any symptoms. This precautionary measure helps prevent reinfection. Refrain from sexual activity until both you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and your symptoms have resolved.

In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, especially if:

• You are severely ill, experiencing symptoms such as high fever, nausea, and vomiting.
• You are unable to tolerate oral antibiotics.
• Your symptoms do not improve with oral antibiotics.
• An abscess, characterized by a pocket of pus in the fallopian tube and ovary, is present.
• You are pregnant.
• You have another concurrent medical condition, such as appendicitis.

Hospital-based treatment may involve the administration of stronger antibiotics intravenously or orally.

If symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment, your doctor may reassess your condition and consider alternative antibiotics.

Home Care Tips

• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
• Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen for pain relief.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and symptoms resolve.
• Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

Should you tell your partner about PID?

Absolutely. Informing your partner about your PID diagnosis is crucial so they can undergo testing and treatment as well. This helps reduce the risk of reinfection with the bacteria responsible for PID.

Complications

Pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to complications if not promptly treated. These complications may include:

1. Chronic pelvic pain, affecting up to one-third of women with PID, resulting from inflammation and scarring in the pelvic region. Repeated episodes of PID increase the risk of chronic pelvic pain.
2. Difficulty conceiving or infertility, stemming from damage to the fallopian tubes, which are vital for transporting eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Women with a history of PID are approximately five times more likely to experience fertility issues compared to those without PID.
3. Formation of abscesses within the reproductive tract, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe infections.

PID also heightens the risk of ectopic pregnancy due to scarring in the fallopian tubes. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants and grows outside the uterus, typically within the fallopian tube. This condition poses a serious risk to the mother’s life and cannot progress to full term.

Prevention

• Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Get regular screenings for STIs, especially if you’re sexually active.
• Avoid douching, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience symptoms of PID, such as abdominal pain, abnormal discharge, or fever, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Delaying treatment can lead to complications such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy.

Outlook/Prognosis

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most cases of PID can be cured without long-term complications. However, untreated PID can cause significant damage to the reproductive organs and increase the risk of infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Regular STI screenings and practicing safe sex are key to preventing PID and maintaining reproductive health.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• Mayo Clinic
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• National Health Service (U.K.)