Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – Things You Need To Know

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs which generally occurs when bacteria transmitted from unprotected sexual intercourse spread from the vagina to the uterus (womb) which extends further to the fallopian tube or ovaries.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection that affects the woman’s reproductive organs. It is widely believed to be a complication frequently caused by sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, mycoplasma genitalium and chlamydia that travel from the cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can lead to serious complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain if left untreated. Women who are at the highest risk for PID are those who are sexually active and have multiple partners, as well as those who do not use contraception or do not use it consistently.

Adolescents and young women are particularly vulnerable to PID because their cervixes are not fully mature and are more easily infected. Additionally, they are less likely to seek medical attention or may not be aware of the symptoms of PID.

In addition to young people, women who are in poverty or who have limited access to healthcare are also at a higher risk of PID. This is due to a combination of factors such as lack of education and resources, and lack of access to regular gynecological exams and screenings.

Symptoms of PID may include:

– Mild to severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic
– Fever
– Abnormal vaginal discharge that is foul-smelling or greenish-yellow in color
– Pain during sexual intercourse
– Irregular menstrual bleeding
– Painful urination

In severe cases of pelvic Inflammatory disease, the symptoms may include:

High fever (over 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heartbeat
Chronic pelvic pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will likely perform a pelvic exam and may also order lab tests to confirm the diagnosis of PID. Treatment should commence as soon as possible to prevent serious complications.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and its complications:

1. Infertility: Recurrent bout or untreated pelvic Inflammatory disease can cause damage to the reproductive organ which may lead to infertility. Infertility can occur when scar tissue are formed in the fallopian tubes blocking the movement of eggs to the uterus. So you risk being infertile when you delay treatment for pelvic Inflammatory disease.

2. Ectopic Pregnancy: When pelvic inflammatory disease is left untreated it causes a growth called scar tissue in the fallopian tube and this result in an ectopic pregnancy. This is also known as  tubal pregnancy, it occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

3. Chronic pelvic pain: Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause pains in the pelvic area for a long time if not treated.

4. Formation of pus in the reproductive tract caused by an abscess which develops as a result of untreated pelvic Inflammatory disease, the abscess affect the fallopian tube and the ovaries mostly.

Risk factors for PID include:

Having multiple sexual partners
Having a new sexual partner

Having sex partners who have other sex partners beside you.

Younger people from 25 years and below who are sexually active
Having a history of sexually transmitted diseases
Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
Having had pelvic inflammatory disease before
Having a weak immune system

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can be asymptomatic, so if you have a risk factors such as multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, history of STIs, or an intrauterine device (IUD), you should be screened by a health professional.

Treatments:

PID can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to complete the entire course of treatment to ensure that the infection is fully cleared. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous antibiotic treatment. If the infection has caused scarring or damage to the reproductive organs, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.

It is important to practice safe sex and get tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases, thIs is to prevent the risk of PID and other reproductive health complications. If you are experiencing symptoms of PID or suspect that you may have an STI, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Delaying treatment for pelvic Inflammatory diseases or recurrent episode of PID is able to increase the chances for a serious and prolong complication which can cause damage to the reproductive tract.

1. Visit your doctor as soon as you experience any symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease.

2. A swab will be taken from your vagina and the nape of the cervix for a laboratory test.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is usually treated with antibiotics and penicillin which usually last for two weeks (14days).

4. Make sure you complete the dosage given by your doctor,  PID is typically treated with antibiotics, and the earlier treatment is started, the better the chances of a full recovery. Additionally, it is important to follow the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, and to avoid having sex until you have finished the course of antibiotics. It has become a norm for some people who don’t like the idea of taking drugs, when they feel a bit of relief in the course of treatment, they tend to stop making use of the prescribed drug. Don’t stop until you have finish the whole treatment else you risk a repeated bout of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

5. Maintain a good hygiene

6. Ensure your partner is tested and treated too.

7. In addition to treating the infection with antibiotics, it is important to practice safe sex and get tested regularly for STIs to prevent the risk of PID and other reproductive health complications. Using condoms during sexual activity can help to reduce the risk of STIs and PID. It is also important to seek medical attention if you have any symptoms of PID or suspect that you may have an STI. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

8. Changes in lifestyle: There are also lifestyle changes that can help to prevent and treat PID. For example, maintaining good overall health through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help support the body’s ability to fight off infections. Another important fact a larger percentage of people ignore is the method of cleaning up after the use of toilet. It is advisable that you wipe from the front to the back, this is to stop bacteria from gaining access to the vagina. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of infection.

What are the steps needed to prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Practice good hygiene: Good hygiene practices, such as regularly washing the genital area and using sanitary pads instead of tampons, can help prevent the spread of bacteria that can lead to PID.

1. Avoid unprotected sex ( Konji is real, but be wise).

2. Say NO to multiple sexual partners

3. Avoid douching, It unsettle the balance between the good and unhealthy bacteria in the vagina.

4. You may opt for another form of family planning methods aside the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs). This may also help reduce the risk of PID.

Overall, preventing and treating pelvic inflammatory diseases requires a combination of different strategies. If you suspect you have PID, you can take steps to protect your reproductive health and reduce your risk of complications by undergoing regular gynecological exams and screenings. This will help to detect any infections or other issues early on, before they have a chance to develop into PID. Additionally, regular screenings for STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can help to catch these infections early, which can prevent them from developing into PID.

Trying to get pregnant with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

If you have been diagnosed with PID and are trying to conceive, it is important to work closely with your doctor. You may be referred to a specialist, such as a reproductive endocrinologist or a gynecologist who specializes in infertility, to help you navigate the process.

Depending on the severity of the infection and the extent of the damage to your reproductive organs, your healthcare provider may recommend a variety of treatments to help you conceive. These may include:

-Antibiotics: to clear the infection and prevent it from recurring    -Surgery: to remove scar tissue or repair damage to the reproductive organs
-In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): If the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, IVF can be used to fertilize an egg outside of the body and then transfer the embryo to the uterus.
-Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): If the fallopian tubes are partially blocked or damaged, IUI can be used to place sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization

While pelvic inflammatory disease can make it difficult to get pregnant, with proper treatment and care, many women with pelvic Inflammatory diseases are still able to conceive and have healthy pregnancies. Work closely with your doctor to determine the best course of action for you.

Despite the challenges of living with PID, there are ways for individuals to cope with and manage their symptoms. Here are some tips below

Seek prompt medical treatment.

Manage pain: Over-the-counter pain medication, heat therapy, and pelvic floor physical therapy can help manage pain and discomfort associated with PID.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management can help individuals with PID manage their symptoms and improve overall health.

Connect with others: Joining a support group or connecting with other individuals who have experienced PID can provide a sense of community and encouragement.

Educate yourself: Learning about PID, its causes, and its treatments can help individuals take an active role in their health and feel more empowered.

Living with PID can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, individuals can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.