Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) affects the female reproductive organs. The Mayo Clinic explains that PID occurs when bacteria are introduced to the vagina and spread to the uterus and upper genital tract. PID can cause several complications, such as infertility or an ectopic pregnancy, if treatment is not given in a timely manner. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests acute PID can begin suddenly but chronic PID may persist with minimal symptoms for an extended period of time.
Asymptomatic
PID may go unnoticed due to minor or a lack of symptoms. The Mayo Clinic suggests that asymptomatic PID is common when the woman has contracted chlamydia. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that has minimal or no symptoms in women. With chronic PID, the symptoms may take even longer to be recognized, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Pain
Pain in the lower abdomen, low back and pelvic area may be one sign of PID. The pain may become exacerbated during intercourse, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Severe pain in the low abdomen requires emergency treatment, especially if it is persistent. When PID is diagnosed, an antibiotic is often prescribed to clear up the infection. A woman who has chronic PID may notice her symptoms return despite completing the full course of medication.
Vaginal Discharge
Frequent, heavy and foul-smelling vaginal discharge is common with PID, suggests the Mayo Clinic. This can be the result of the underlying infection, such as chlamydia or other bacteria. The vaginal discharge should resolve once the course of antibiotics has been completed. The discharge can cause itching. It is not uncommon for women to experience mild spotting or bleeding in between menstrual periods as well.
General Illness
As with any infection, PID can cause a woman to have a number of general illness symptoms. This includes fever, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic. A fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit requires emergency medical treatment, as this is considered to be a sign of severe infection. Fainting, dizziness or other signs of shock also require emergency treatment.
Urinary Symptoms
PID can lead to pain when urinating or trouble urinating. This is the result of the infection spreading to the outer urinary tract.
Menstrual Changes
Increased pain during menstruation, lack of menstruation or an irregular period are possible symptoms of PID, suggests the New York Times.
Complications
The complications from chronic PID may only be diagnosed by a doctor. AltHysterectomy.org suggests these complications may include scarring, adhesions and tubal blockage. The scarring and adhesions can affect any of the female reproductive and pelvic organs. The result can be constipation from bowel adhesions or severe digestive pains. Infertility or difficulty conceiving is common when PID is chronic. The scar tissues might harbor pockets of infection, which might not respond positively to antibiotic treatment, suggests AltHysterectomy.org.
