pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one of the more serious reasons that women may experience Chronic Pelvic Pain.
What is PID?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) around 750, 000 each year experience an acute case of PID. It refers to a serious complication related to bacterial infection that moves from the vagina into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This infection can cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes leading to infertility.
Symptoms of PID:
Symptoms of PID include the following:
-Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis
Heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Pain during intercourse
Low back pain
Fever, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting
Painful or difficult urination
While these symptoms are readily apparent PID may cause only minor symptoms or none at all. Asymptomatic PID is especially common when the infection is due to
chlamydia. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or suspect you have been exposed to a Sexually Transmitted Infection like Chlamydia, you should contact your doctor to be checked immediately.
More urgent symptoms that indicate the need to go to the emergency room which are linked to PID are:
-Severe pain low in your abdomen Vomiting Signs of shock, such as fainting Fever, with a temperature higher than 101 F (38.3 C)
Because these symptoms can also be associated with other sever illnesses you want to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of PID is very important in order to avoid complications like infertility, however it can be difficult. There is no specific test for PID because if can be caused by several different types of bacteria and symptoms may be subtle and easy for women and doctors to miss.
If you come to your GYN with symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, your provider may perform a physical examination to determine the nature and location of the pain and check for fever. They will also ask about abnormal vaginal or cervical discharge, and for evidence of
gonorrheal or Chlamydial infection. If the findings suggest PID, treatment is necessary.
