Frequently Asked Questions - Gynecology

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is not a single illness but a broad term covering a variety of infections of the internal reproductive organs - the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, ligaments supporting the uterus, and even the abdominal lining. PID is the most common, preventable cause of infertility in the United States. It can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes leading to blockage of the tubes. PID is also the leading cause of

ectopic pregnancy because if the fallopian tube is damaged from PID, the fertilized egg may attach to the inside wall of the tube instead of inside the uterus. An untreated ectopic pregnancy can lead to rupture of the tube, bleeding into the abdomen, and can result in death. The most common symptom of PID is a dull abdominal ache.

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Other signs include fever, vaginal discharge (often the first sign), abnormal uterine bleeding, fever and chills and sometimes nausea and vomiting. The symptoms vary among women and some women do not have symptoms at all. Sexual activity and movement often makes them worse.

Cause There are several bacteria that can cause PID. Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis are the most common. Both are sexually transmitted. The infection usually begins in the vagina, travels up through the cervix to the rest of the reproductive organs.

Gonorrhea-associated infections generally begin quickly with severe symptoms. With Chlamydia, the symptoms may be mild and develop slowly over months or even years.

Another possible cause of PID is the introduction of organisms into the reproductive tract after an induced abortion, following the birth of a child, or by the insertion of an Intrauterine Device (IUD).

Risk Factors Since the most common causes of PID are sexually transmitted, sexual activity is the largest risk factor for PID. Age is also a factor. Approximately 75% of all cases of PID occur in women under the age of 25. Younger women appear to be more susceptible to Chlamydia and gonorrhea associated infection than older women.

There is a direct relationship between the number of sexual partners a woman has and her risk for PID. The more partners she has, the greater the risk.

Treatment Because PID is generally caused by a mixture of bacteria, your physician will probably prescribe a combination of antibiotics. Since most cases are caused by sexually transmitted diseases, do not have intercourse with your partner until he has also completed his treatment. It is very important that you finish all the medication, even if the symptoms go away before treatment is finished.

It is important to see your doctor a few days after starting treatment to ensure the antibiotics are working. If your condition isn't improving, you may need to be hospitalized for IV antibiotics.

Resting as much as possible can help speed along your recovery. Pain medication, hot baths, or a heating pad applied to the lower back and abdomen may help relieve the discomfort of PID.