Persistent lower abdominal pain or abnormal discharge are the main symptoms of suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a common gynecological condition that can lead to serious complications and sequelae without proper treatment. The HEAL Fertility team has compiled information on the symptoms, sequelae, causes, in addition with methods for testing, treating, and preventing pelvic inflammatory disease to help women safeguard their health.

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is  a bacterial infection in the female reproductive organs (including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes). It occurs when bacteria enter the cervix from the vagina and spread throughout the pelvic area.

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

• Common symptoms of PID include:
• Persistent lower abdominal or back pain
• Abnormal vaginal discharge  (usually yellow or green with an unusual odor).
• Abnormal Non-menstrual Vaginal Bleeding
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse
• Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever
   

The symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can often be misinterpreted due to the anatomical proximity of the reproductive and gastrointestinal systems. Lower abdominal or back pain, commonly associated with PID, may be mistaken for gastrointestinal issues, potentially delaying accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, both PID and vaginitis can present with abnormal vaginal discharge, complicating the differentiation for patients. The key distinction is that PID involves an infection of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, while vaginitis is localized to the vagina. Understanding these differences is crucial for timely treatment and to prevent complications.

Further Reading:  [Vaginitis] Common Symptoms, Treatments, and Preventive Measures
 

Causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

PID is primarily caused by bacterial infections, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia Trachomatis, which are  transmitted through sexual contact. Engaging in unprotected sex or having multiple sexual partners are the main pathways for contracting these infections.

Bacterial infections often initiate in organs near the pelvis, such as the urethra, vagina, or rectum (particularly affecting the vagina), From there, the infections will spread through the cervix into the uterus and abdomen, resulting in PID.

While sexual activity is the primary cause of PID, several other factors contribute to its’ development:

• In cases of vaginitis or a weakened immune system (due to conditions like diabetes or HIV), bacteria may enter the uterus through the cervix, resulting in PID.
• Previous gynecological procedures, such as abortions, intrauterine device insertions, or hysteroscopies, may trigger pelvic inflammation.
• Overzealous vaginal douching can weaken the cervical mucus protection, potentially allowing bacteria to enter the cervical canal and increasing the risk of infection.
  
   

Testing Methods for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Testing for PID includes thorough medical history inquiry, laboratory tests for infections, and pathogen detection. Advanced diagnostic methods may involve ultrasound scans to observe the pelvic area for swelling, abscesses, or other abnormalities. Given that PID shared symptoms with various other conditions, doctors may employ a combination of  testing methods to ensure accurate diagnosis based on the patient's situation.
 

 Treatment Methods for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Primary PID treatment  involves administrating antibiotics to eliminate  bacterial infection. Patients must strictly follow their doctor’s instructions to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve. Additionally, doctors may prescribe pain relief medications, such as Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), to alleviate lower abdominal pain or other discomfort.

If there is no improvement after medication or if the infection is severe (e.g., PID leading to peritonitis, abscesses, or other complications), surgical intervention may be required to remove abscesses. If PID is sexually transmitted, patients should abstain from sexual activity during treatment and advise their partners to also get tested to prevent reinfection.


Prevention Methods for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Maintaining good personal hygiene and ensuring genital cleanliness while avoiding vaginal douching is essential for reducing the risk of PID. Safe sexual activity by using condoms and having one stable sexual partner can significantly lower the risk of PID. Before undergoing gynecological procedures, patients should follow their doctor’s recommendations for testing or receive antibiotics to prevent infection.

Additionally, regular gynecological check-ups play a crucial role in effectively preventing PID. as early diagnosis and treatment can be achieved. If pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, patients should abstain from sexual intercourse during treatment and are advised to have their partners to get tested to prevent reinfection.
 

Regular Gynecological Check-ups to Avoid PID

Women of all ages should have regular check-ups to help identify early signs of common gynecological issues, even in the absence of obvious symptoms, for timely follow-up and treatment.

HEAL Fertility offers professional gynecological consultation and examination services. Our doctors provide appropriate advice and can arrange further tests if necessary. Our team is professional and reliable, caring for your needs. For more information, please contact us.

HEAL Fertility has introduced the symptoms, sequelae, causes, and methods for testing, treating, and preventing PID in this article. Although PID is a common gynecological disease, its potential risks should not be overlooked. We encourage you to maintain regular gynecological check-ups to stay safe from the threats of PID.