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Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is a serious infection of a woman's reproductive organs. More than 1 million women in the United States are diagnosed with PID each year, reports the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. PID is a leading cause of female infertility in the United States. Up to 10 to 15 percent of women diagnosed with PID become infertile, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In some cases, PID can lead to life-threatening complications.
CAUSE
The sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common causes of PID. PID occurs when an untreated infection of the lower genital tract spreads to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. PID can develop within several days to several months after contracting an STD. PID can scar the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility or an increased risk of tubal pregnancy -- a life-threatening condition wherein a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube rather than the womb.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of PID include pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen; pain during sexual intercourse; bleeding between menstrual periods; increased or changed vaginal discharge; nausea and vomiting; low back pain; and fever and chills. Some women with PID have no symptoms or symptoms too mild to notice. Even without symptoms, PID can permanently damage a woman's reproductive organs.
Men can help their partners prevent PID by taking precautions against STDs and getting treatment if an infection develops. Because men are more likely to have symptoms with chlamydia or gonorrhea than women are, they often know something is wrong before their partner does. Symptoms of gonorrhea or chlamydia in men include pus-like discharge from the penis and pain or burning with urination.
TREATMENT
Antibiotics are the primary form of treatment for PID. Left untreated, PID can become serious enough to necessitate hospitalization. Women who develop an internal abscess caused by PID often need surgery. If you suspect you may have PID, go to your health care provider at once. Even if your symptoms are not severe, do not ignore them. Get help as soon as possible, before permanent damage is done.
If you have PID, your sex partners also need antibiotic treatment to avoid passing the infection back and forth. While you and your partners are on treatment, avoid sex or use condoms. Take all of your medication even if you no longer have symptoms. After treatment, have a follow-up exam with your health care provider to be sure the infection has been eliminated. PID can recur if you are reinfected with chlamydia or gonorrhea.
PREVENTION
The best way to prevent PID is to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. If you are sexually active, get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year. If you suspect that you may have an STD, get tested and treated right away -- before the infection spreads. To prevent STDs, use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Do not douche; this can push bacteria into your uterus. A man can help protect his female partner by telling her at once if he is diagnosed with an STD. Early treatment can spare her permanent damage to her body.
