Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Health Video

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a generic medical term used to cover inflammations of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Learn more about pelvic inflammatory disease in this obstetrics video.

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Targets the upper genital tract
Can be caused by an STD
May cause chronic pain, infertility
Symptoms include abdominal pain, less often vaginal discharge
Contact health care provider

About this Author

Dr. Mieke D. Lane, D.O. currently works as an OB/GYN at the Cascadia Women's Clininc in Vancouver, Washington. Mieke Lane D.O. graduated from Des Moines University and completed her residency at St. John Detroit Riverview in Detroit, Michigan as an obstetrician/gynecologist. She has recently moved to the Northwest and enjoys exploring what it has to offer. Mieke has a special interest in Chinese language and culture and enjoys reading, listening to jazz, and cooking for friends and family.

DR. MIEKE D. LANE: Hi, I'm Doctor Mieke Lane, I work at Cascadia Women's Clinic in Vancouver, Washington. Today, I will just speak to you in regards to pelvic inflammatory disease. This is a disease of the upper genital track, it's one of the most serious complications of sexually transmitted diseases but can also be caused by non-sexually transmitted disease. The acute PID is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization for women of reproductive age, 75% of those young women are under the age of 25. PID can potentially cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain and an increase rate of ectopic pregnancies. Ninety percent of women will have abdominal pain, 75% of those with PID will present with an abnormal vaginal discharge. Other signs and symptoms can include fever, nausea vomiting, irregular bleeding and or painful urination. Risk factors include multiple sexual partners, not wearing a condom, history of previous sexually transmitted diseases. Diagnosis can be made by clinical exam by a health care provider which may include cultures, blood work, and laparoscopy. Laparoscopy are used to directly visualize the organs of the genital track. They will also find adhesion and or scar tissue, if found early enough, PID can be treated with antibiotics on an out patient basis. If PID is severe, it has to be treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics. Condom use is the best method for prevention. Please contact your health care provider for more information.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Health Video

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