It is usually resulting from the spread of a vaginal or cervical infection.
Having an untreatedsexually transmitted infection (STI)is one of the most common risk factors.
PID symptoms aren’t always noticeable but can include vaginal discharge or pelvic discomfort.
Verywell / Laura Porter
This article reviews the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and potential complications of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Many people do not seek medical attention until health or reproductive complications occur.
If you do recognize any signs of pelvic inflammatory disease, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
With PID, symptoms can come and goeven if the infection or inflammation continues to affect the body.
What Causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common infections associated with PID.
Symptoms of this may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or severe pelvic pain.
Other tests like blood tests or pelvic ultrasound may also be done.
If you have PID, your healthcare provider will also do tests to identify the infectious organism.
Pelvic Examination
Several tests are used in the evaluation of PID.
The first is a gynecologic (pelvic) examination.
Your healthcare provider examines your vagina and cervix, using a speculum and light to see the area better.
You may have aPap smearduring this exam if you are due for one.
This test is used for cervical cancer screening only and is not used in making a diagnosis of PID.
A fluid sample may also be taken and sent to a lab for testing to identify the bacteria present.
PID Treatment
Pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated and cured when diagnosed early.
Antibiotics and surgery are two possible treatment options.
If PID is detected, antibiotics can be used to target the infection.
Typically the antibiotic is selected to provide broad-spectrum coverage of the likely bacteria responsible for the infection.
Surgery
Inflammation and scarring can cause infertility and the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Additional Treatment for Complications
Treating PID won’t undo damage it has already caused.
For example, sepsis requires immediate treatment with IV antibiotics.
In some cases, the fertilized egg must be surgically removed to prevent life-threatening problems.
This may require the removal of one of the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Symptoms may be mild or not always noticeable.
PID is treatable, especially if diagnosed early.
When untreated PID can lead to ectopic pregnancy, sepsis, or infertility.
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