Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Infection of the female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, or fallopian tubes), one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and infertility in women. In the United States, the highest rates of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occur among teenage girls. One case of PID does not confer immunity; it is possible to have many reinfections.
Cause
While it may not have an obvious cause, PID often occurs from an untreated sexually transmitted disease such as GONORRHEA or CHLAMYDIA. It also may occur after childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. Young, sexually active girls and those who use the intrauterine birth control device are at higher risk.
The bacteria travel from the cervix to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, leading to permanent scarring of the tubes. The more times a girl contracts PID, the higher the chance she will become sterile because of scarring. Younger girls are more at risk for the disease because their reproductive organs are not good at fighting off infection.
Symptoms
Most girls have no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include burning during urination, pelvic pain, heavy menstrual flow with severe cramps, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, fever, low backache, nausea, and vomiting. The cervix is tender if palpated. The very youngest girls tend to have the most severe symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing PID is not always a simple procedure because the site of the infection cannot be examined easily and PID symptoms often imitate other conditions such as appendicitis. A sample from the cervix can be cultured, and blood counts will help reveal the infection. If the diagnosis is still unclear, a physician can examine the fallopian tubes with a laparoscope in the hospital to assess their condition.
Treatment
Many girls are admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotic treatment. Mildly ill patients can be treated at home with oral antibiotics. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed for at least 10 to 14 days to make sure the infection is completely cured; those treated at home must be monitored closely and reevaluated within 72 hours. A pelvic abscess or excessive scar tissue may require surgery.
Prevention
PID can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). All sexually active teens should be screened regularly for STDs.
PID is not contagious, but the bacteria that can lead to PID are highly contagious; all sexual partners of someone diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea should be notified and treated with antibiotics, even if they have no signs or symptoms.
Although birth control pills do not protect against STDs, they may give some protection against PID by causing the body to create thicker cervical mucus, making it harder for bacteria to reach the upper genital tract.
Any unusual discharge or pelvic pain should be checked out by a doctor. Because PID is a very serious disease that can permanently damage the reproductive organs, it is important for patients who engage in unprotected sex, or who have many partners, to have regular checkups.
Cause
While it may not have an obvious cause, PID often occurs from an untreated sexually transmitted disease such as GONORRHEA or CHLAMYDIA. It also may occur after childbirth, abortion, or miscarriage. Young, sexually active girls and those who use the intrauterine birth control device are at higher risk.
The bacteria travel from the cervix to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, leading to permanent scarring of the tubes. The more times a girl contracts PID, the higher the chance she will become sterile because of scarring. Younger girls are more at risk for the disease because their reproductive organs are not good at fighting off infection.
Symptoms
Most girls have no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include burning during urination, pelvic pain, heavy menstrual flow with severe cramps, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, fever, low backache, nausea, and vomiting. The cervix is tender if palpated. The very youngest girls tend to have the most severe symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing PID is not always a simple procedure because the site of the infection cannot be examined easily and PID symptoms often imitate other conditions such as appendicitis. A sample from the cervix can be cultured, and blood counts will help reveal the infection. If the diagnosis is still unclear, a physician can examine the fallopian tubes with a laparoscope in the hospital to assess their condition.
Treatment
Many girls are admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotic treatment. Mildly ill patients can be treated at home with oral antibiotics. In most cases, antibiotics are prescribed for at least 10 to 14 days to make sure the infection is completely cured; those treated at home must be monitored closely and reevaluated within 72 hours. A pelvic abscess or excessive scar tissue may require surgery.
Prevention
PID can be prevented by avoiding exposure to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). All sexually active teens should be screened regularly for STDs.
PID is not contagious, but the bacteria that can lead to PID are highly contagious; all sexual partners of someone diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea should be notified and treated with antibiotics, even if they have no signs or symptoms.
Although birth control pills do not protect against STDs, they may give some protection against PID by causing the body to create thicker cervical mucus, making it harder for bacteria to reach the upper genital tract.
Any unusual discharge or pelvic pain should be checked out by a doctor. Because PID is a very serious disease that can permanently damage the reproductive organs, it is important for patients who engage in unprotected sex, or who have many partners, to have regular checkups.
