What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

• infection in a woman's internal reproductive organs
• results most often from two common STIs: gonorrhea and chlamydia
• other vaginal infections are also suspected causes: bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomonas
• certain procedures that open the cervix and allow possible bacteria to pass through (D&C, abortion, cesarean birth, miscarriage, I.U.D. insertion, etc.)

What are some of the signs of PID?

PID can happen suddenly with intense symptoms, or develop slowly with vague or hidden symptoms:

• pain in the lower abdomen/lower back
• bloating/pressure in the abdomen/lower back
• fever
• vaginal discharge with an unusual odour/colour
• flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, achey muscles)
• pain during or after intercourse
• irregular vaginal bleeding
• frequent and/or painful urination.

Symptoms of PID can be very mild. Some women have no symptoms at all, but that doesn't mean their infections aren't serious. If a woman thinks she might have PID, she should go to her doctor/clinic right away to be examined!

How do they examine me?

• a vaginal exam is done with a speculum, so the doctor can look inside and examine the cervix, similar to having a PAP test
• a bimanual exam (with one hand on the abdomen and the other inside the vagina) is done to feel for pain or any unusual lump
• a swab of the cervix is taken to look for bacteria
• sometimes an ultrasound is done
• laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that can help determine if a woman has PID (By means of a small incision in the abdomen, a tiny scope/camera can examine the reproductive organs; swabs can be taken at the same time)

Can it be treated?

Yes! But ... the faster PID is treated the less chance of serious complications.

• special antibiotics must be taken
• some women require hospitalization for treatment
• partners must be treated for infection, even if they have no symptoms
• rest is an essential part of the treatment
• good nutrition is also important for healing
• NO SEX until all medication has been taken and you are examined again by your doctor to make sure the infection is gone.

What are the "complications"?

• pain - can continue after treatment in some cases
• Ectopic Pregnancy (tubal pregnancy)
• scar tissue remaining in a fallopian tube can partially block a fertilized egg, which continues to grow in the tube instead of the uterus (this can be life threatening and requires immediate attention).
• a tubal pregnancy usually causes sharp, persistent pain on one side

Infertility

• can result from damage or scarring caused by the infection (scar tissue can block the fallopian tubes, preventing an egg from passing.)

How can I reduce my chance of getting PID?

• reduce number of sexual partners
• use latex condoms to prevent STIs
• avoid using IUDs, especially if you have several sexual partners
• if you have an IUD, see your doctor regularly for STI check ups
• diaphragms or cervical caps, when used with a spermicide, also reduce STI risk
• if you are treated for an STI, make sure your partner is also properly treated before you have sex with him again
• prevent bowel bacteria from entering the vagina by wiping from front to back after a bowel movement