Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

A common complication of sexually transmitted infections is the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This disease refers to an infection of the reproductive organs, including the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Women get PID when bacteria (such as chlamydia) move up from the cervix to her uterus. If left unattended, PID can leave permanent damage on the reproductive organs. It can travel to the fallopian tubes causing scar tissue, which then blocks or disturbs movement of eggs into the uterus. Sperm will also be unable to travel to the egg if the pathway is blocked and can cause the woman to become infertile. Even if the tube is only partially blocked, then fertilized egg may get stuck in the fallopian tube causing an ectopic pregnancy.

Symptoms are often mild and vague. PID can go undiagnosed for some time. A physical examination is used to determine PID and an ultrasound can be helpful to detect the disease. Treatment may include a round of antibiotics. Unfortunately the damage cannot be reversed. Some signs may include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular bleeding, and it’s rare but pain in the upper right abdominal.

If you have and questions or concerns about pelvic inflammatory disease speak to your doctor or healthcare provider