Many women may not be aware of the things happening in their female reproductive systems especially when it symptoms are just mild. Some may report it to be quite a similar feeling when they have their dysmenorrhea, but it may actually be more than just the monthly muscle cramps. Find out all the information and considerations about pelvic inflammatory disease treatment here.
What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to a condition that infects the female reproductive organs, such as the vagina, uterus down to the cervix, as well as fallopian tubes. The infection mainly spreads through sexual contact, as it is a serious complication to two of the most common sexually transmitted diseases which are chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, it can also happen as a result of a burst appendix or a bowel infection.
People refer to this condition as a “silent epidemic” since many sexually active women may have it already, but they may still be not aware of it because symptoms don’t show. In some cases, it tends to be unnoticeable because signs are too mild to be taken into consideration. Despite it, pelvic inflammatory disease treatment can be administered once it is diagnosed right away.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Signs and Symptoms
As mentioned, many women may experience mild symptoms of pain which may be one or more of the following:
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever (higher than 38° C)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
- Inflammation
Some ladies may also have an unusual increase in vaginal discharges with a change in smell and color, which is typically yellow or green.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Causes
Before anything could take place, the attending physician should be able to identify the leading cause of it first.
When germs such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the ones that result in chlamydia and gonorrhea, travel upward from a woman’s vagina or cervix into her reproductive organs, she is most likely to develop the condition. Newer evidence suggests that another sexually transmitted infection, known as Mycoplasma genitalium, may potentially be the one responsible for the milder symptoms that women experience nowadays. These bacteria usually live in the vagina of a woman for some time until there is pelvic inflammatory disease treatment is given.
There are also some cases in which surgical procedures like abortion, curette, or intrauterine device (IUD) insertion may cause the condition. The infection normally follows through three distinct reproductive organs: it starts with the cervix, then the endometrium, and finally the fallopian tubes.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Risk Factors
There is a possibility that you have this condition when you have:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STI).
- Multiple sex partners.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease in the past.
- A partner who sexually engages with others.
Young women, those aged 25 and below, are also at greater risk when they are sexually active.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Complications
If a person does not receive proper pelvic inflammatory disease treatment, scar tissue and pockets of abscesses may form. These can harm the reproductive organs in the long run.
Some complications to pelvic inflammatory disease are:
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Tubo-ovarian absscess (TOA)
- Tubal factor infertility
- Chronic pelvic pain
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Treatment
Women who are diagnosed at an early stage may save themselves from further damage to their reproductive organs, which can lead to the abovementioned complications.
A doctor may prescribe different types of antibiotics to treat pathogens and bacteria. It may either be in the form of injectables or tablets depending on what fits your situation.
It is also vital that you do a follow-up with your doctor about it.
Key Takeaway
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition that could occur at any given age. This is particular to those who are already sexually active.
Seek medical help should you feel any of the mentioned signs and symptoms.
Learn more about Women’s Health Issues here.
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