India has swapped the place with China, becoming the top country with the highest population. Family planning is done in a highly uncalculated way; not only this, but the rate at which unprotected sex has been taking place in the country has also increased. Unwanted sex increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, HPV, and one of the most common diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection or a disease of the female reproductive organ and occurs mainly in the uterus, cervix, fallopian tube, and ovaries. 94% of sexually transmitted diseases are a cause for PID. Therefore, it is not a condition to be taken lightly and requires urgent medical attention. India has more than 1 million cases of PID annually, a fairly common disease.
What is the cause of pelvic inflammatory disease?
The most known cause of the pelvic inflammatory disease is the bacteria responsible for causing sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. The bacteria enters the vagina and then moves to the pelvic organs, such as the cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. It is a life-threatening disease if it reaches the bloodstream.
What are the risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease?
Having gonorrhea or chlamydia increases the risk of PID. However, PID can still develop without ever having an STI. Below are factors that can increase the risk for PID.
- Sex under the age of 25
- Douching
- Having an IUD (intrauterine device) inserted recently
- History of PID
- Sex with multiple partners
- Sex without safety measures such as a condom
What are the symptoms of the pelvic inflammatory disease?
The pelvic inflammatory disease doesn’t have many symptoms. However, some women may feel symptoms and pain inclusive of the following.
- Fatigue, or tiredness
- Irregular bleeding
- Painful sex
- Fever
- Pain in the abdomen (upper)
- Pain while urinating
- Bad-smelling vaginal discharge
Women with severe pain experience symptoms such as:
- Fanting
- Nausea and vomiting
- High fever
- Sharp shooting pain abdomen
The above calls for a medical emergency and requires the urgent attention of a healthcare provider.
What are the treatment options available for PID?
The treatment of PID generally begins with doctors providing patients with antibiotics. The antibiotics are different since your doctor might not know which infection caused your PID. It is advisable to complete the entire dose of the medication, as leaving it in between may generate reoccurring disease. The doctor may send you to the hospital if you can’t swallow pills or is pregnant.
If you have a pocket of puss caused due to the infection, also known as an abscess, the doctor may suggest surgery if the bump ruptures or seem to rupture. Also, surgery may be indicated if the body doesn’t respond to treatment.
Since a sexually transmitted disease causes the infection, your doctor might advise you to abstain from intercourse for a period. If the condition has occurred via STD, your partner also needs to be checked, as they can also be a carrier of PID. Until both of you have recovered completely, it is advisable not to indulge in any sexual activities.
How can pelvic inflammatory disease be prevented?
The risk of pelvic inflammatory disease can be reduced by:
- Taking preventive measures during sex
- Avoiding douches
- Regularly getting tested for STDs
- Wiping the vagina from front to back to eliminate the entry of any infection.
What are the complications associated with PID if not treated?
PID can be misunderstood for UTI, but once you get tested for PID, it can rule out the other conditions. However, if PID is not treated, it could lead to long-term complications such as:
- Inability to conceive a child, infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy, in which the pregnancy occurs outside of the womb
- Chronic abdominal and pelvic pain
- If it reaches your bloodstream, it could be fatal and life-threatening
Conclusion
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a treatable but fatal condition if not treated thoroughly. If you experience the symptoms described above, then consult your healthcare provider immediately and get yourself and your partner checked for STDs. Bansal Hospital Bhopal has the best reproductive medicine department, where the doctors are extra cautious with the patients and understand the severity and sensitivity of STDs. The doctors provide apt diagnoses and trustable treatment options for the patients.