3 Ways to Treat Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

1. Use Antibiotics to Clear the Infection

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition in which the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries become inflamed and create scar tissue adhesions in the reproductive system. It's usually caused by the introduction of bacteria into the reproductive tract through sexual intercourse, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, IUD insertion or some other gynecological procedures. Common symptoms of PID include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during urination or sexual intercourse, pain in your abdomen, pelvis or lower back, irregular bleeding and fever. Sometimes, however, PID has no noticeable symptoms or the symptoms are easily overlooked.

There are several different types of PID, but the most common form is caused by bacterial infection. Consequently, antibiotics are usually used to treat the condition. You must take the entire course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to completely wipe out the infection, or your PID may damage your reproductive organs without your knowing it. Untreated pelvic inflammatory disease may lead to serious infertility issues, problems with pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. Serious cases of PID may require hospitalization so that you can receive intravenous antibiotics. In rare instances, surgery may be needed to treat infections that resist antibiotics or cause other complications.

2. Get Your Partner Tested and Treated

If you didn't contract the bacteria that caused your PID from your current sexual partner, you may have transmitted it to him. To prevent reinfection, have your partner tested and treated. While undergoing treatment, neither of you should engage in sexual intercourse with anyone, including each other. If you are not in a long-term monogamous relationship, use condoms to prevent further sexually transmitted infections.

3. Have Regular STD Screenings

The vast majority of pelvic inflammatory diseases are caused by bacteria from a sexually transmitted disease. You can contract an STD without knowing it because many STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can be present without symptoms. If you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex, you should be screened regularly. Regular screening for STDs allows you to get diagnosed and treated in time to prevent pelvic inflammatory disease.