Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - Symptoms and causes

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Symptoms and causes

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to an infection in the reproductive organ. It is a serious complication of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. PID is a leading cause of infertility and can lead to chronic pain.

Symptoms Of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

The symptoms of PID can vary from mild to severe. They may include:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, which may be sharp or dull and come and go
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Pain during sex
  • Urination that is painful or frequent
  • Irregular bleeding, such as between periods or after sex

If you see any of these symptoms in your body, you should go to a doctor right away. PID can cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs and lead to infertility if it is not treated.

Causes Of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

PID is usually caused by bacteria that enter the vagina during sex. The bacteria can move up into the reproductive organs and cause an infection. PID can also be caused by procedures, such as abortion or childbirth. In some cases, the exact cause of PID is unknown.

Risk Factors For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

You are at risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease if you:

  • Have multiple sexual partners
    This puts you at risk for exposure to sexually transmitted infections, which can cause PID.
  • Have a history of PID or other sexually transmitted infections
    A history of PID or other sexually transmitted infections means that tissues in your pelvis are most likely damaged which makes you more likely to get PID again.
  • Douching regularly
    Douching regularly can irritate the tissues in your pelvis and make you more susceptible to infection.
  • Engage in sexual activity at a young age
    Teens are more likely than older women to get PID because their cervixes are not fully developed, making it easier for bacteria to enter.

 

Tests for pelvic inflammatory disease

There are several different types of tests that can be used to diagnose PID, including:

  • Pelvic examination:
    This examination can help your doctor to assess the size and shape of your uterus, as well as the presence of any tenderness or pain in the pelvic area.
  • Laboratory testing:
    Blood and urine tests can help to identify any evidence of infection in your body.
  • Imaging tests:
    Ultrasound or MRI scans may be ordered in some cases to further evaluate the pelvic organs for signs of inflammation.
  • Laparoscopy:
    This is a surgical procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. Laparoscopy can be used to directly visualize any inflammation or damage to the pelvic organs.

    Your doctor will likely ask you to get one or more of these tests if they suspect that you may have PID. Treatment for PID typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection, as well as pain relief and rest. In some cases, you might need to get hospitalized.

Complications  related to pelvic inflammatory disease

If you have PID, it is important to get treatment right away. If left untreated, PID will lead to very serious complications which you don’t want to have, some of the complications you might have to face are:

  • Infertility:
    PID can damage the fallopian tubes, making it difficult or impossible for eggs to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. This can lead to infertility.
  • Ectopic pregnancy:
    When PID damages the fallopian tubes, it increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside of the uterus). Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening.
  • Chronic pelvic pain:
    PID can cause scarring and inflammation of the pelvic organs. This can lead to chronic pelvic pain, even after the infection has been treated.
  • Pelvic abscess:
    A pelvic abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the pelvis. It can cause severe pain and may require surgery to drain the pus.
  • Other infections:
    PID can also increase your risk of other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV/AIDS. If you think you may have PID, it is important to see your doctor right away for treatment. Early treatment can help to prevent serious complications from developing.

Why Should You Choose Us

We are the leading experts in the field of pelvic inflammatory disease. We have years of experience diagnosing and treating PID. Moreover, Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. We offer a full range of services, from diagnosis to treatment to post-treatment care. If you are looking for a team of compassionate, experienced experts, we are here for you.

Proremedy is the best place to get your pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosed. We have the most comprehensive directory of doctors and specialists in Mississauga. You can contact us through our contact us page or visit our nearest location to book an appointment with us. Thank you.

Picture of Physiotherapist Arpan Hundal

Physiotherapist Arpan Hundal

Arpan has been practicing as a physiotherapist since 2010, starting her career in a trauma center in India where she worked with post-traumatic and post-operative cases. She moved to Canada and continued her independent practice, specializing in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic issues, sports injuries, and pelvic health physiotherapy. She has experience dealing with MVA and WSIB clients and has been working in the Mississauga community since 2015.

Picture of Physiotherapist Arpan Hundal

Physiotherapist Arpan Hundal

Arpan has been practicing as a physiotherapist since 2010, starting her career in a trauma center in India where she worked with post-traumatic and post-operative cases. She moved to Canada and continued her independent practice, specializing in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic issues, sports injuries, and pelvic health physiotherapy. She has experience dealing with MVA and WSIB clients and has been working in the Mississauga community since 2015.