5 Ways to Identify Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

1. Know If You're at Risk

It's important to understand if you are at risk for developing pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID. Having unprotected sex with multiple partners puts you at risk. Other factors include having a history of STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. If you had pelvic inflammatory disease in the past, you are more likely to develop it again. Using an IUD as birth control may also contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease.

2. Spot Symptoms of PID

Women who have pelvic inflammatory disease usually experience several symptoms. Because some of the symptoms mimic other conditions, it's important to talk with your doctor about all symptoms you have. This will help your physician get a clearer picture of your condition. Fever, chills, pain in the lower abdomen and abnormal vaginal discharge can indicate pelvic inflammatory disease. Pain during sex or while urinating are also symptoms.

3. Get Ready for the Stirrups

Once you have discussed symptoms, your doctor will need to perform a physical exam. This includes checking for tenderness in your lower back and abdomen and doing a pelvic exam. Your doctor will likely take a pap smear as well as cervical cultures to check for sexually transmitted diseases that can lead to PID, such as chlamydia. Blood work will be completed to look for signs of an infection, such as an increase in white blood cells.

4. Diagnosis Through Process of Elimination

There is not one exact test to identify pelvic inflammatory disease. Doctors make a diagnosis through a physical exam, reported symptoms, medical tests and the ruling out of other conditions. A pelvic ultrasound is often helpful in checking the reproductive organs. It can spot other problems that may be causing similar symptoms. There are two types of pelvic ultrasounds. One is done externally, and the other is done by inserting the ultrasound device into the vagina. Both are painless and quick.

5. Identify With Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery may be needed if your doctor is unable to identify pelvic inflammatory disease in other ways. The surgery is considered minor and done under anesthesia, so you will not feel anything. A scope is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen so the doctor can view the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. Signs of inflammation can help identify the disease and confirm a diagnosis.