Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis Of It!

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, commonly called PID, is an infection of the female reproductive organs(uterus,fallopian tubules ovaries &cervix). PID is one of the most serious complications of a sexually transmitted disease in women: It can lead to irreversible damage to the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other parts of the female reproductive system, and is the primary preventable cause of infertility in women.

Causes

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when bacteria move from the vagina or cervix into the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix
Most cases of PID are due to the bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea. These are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most common way a woman develops PID is by having unprotected sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection.

However, bacteria may also enter the body during some surgical or office procedures, such as:

• Childbirth
• Endometrial biopsy
• Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Miscarriage
• Therapeutic or elective abortion

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may include:

• Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis
• Heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Low back pain
• Fever, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting
• Painful or difficult urination

PID may cause only minor signs and symptoms or none at all. Asymptomatic PID is especially common when the infection is due to chlamydia.

Other symptoms that may occur with PID:

• Bleeding after intercourse
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Frequent or painful urination
• Increased menstrual cramping
• Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea, with or without vomiting
• No menstruation
• Painful sexual intercourse

Diagnosis

• Pelvic ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create images of your reproductive organs.
• Endometrial biopsy. During this procedure, a small piece of your uterine lining (endometrium) is removed and tested.
• Laparoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor inserts a thin, lighted instrument through a small incision in your abdomen to view your pelvic organs.