Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, and ovaries
. It typically occurs when bacteria, often from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, spread from the vagina or cervix to the upper reproductive organs
. Other bacteria normally present in the vagina can also cause PID if they move into these organs
. The infection can cause inflammation and damage, leading to symptoms such as:
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which can range from mild to severe
- Unusual vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
- Pain during sex or urination
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding between periods or after sex
- Fever and chills in some cases
However, symptoms can be mild or even absent, making PID difficult to detect early
. If untreated, PID can cause serious complications including:
- Scar tissue formation and abscesses in the reproductive tract
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Infertility due to damage to the fallopian tubes
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb)
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and pelvic examination, with swabs taken to identify infections, though no single test definitively confirms PID
. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics to clear the infection, and sexual partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection
. Preventive measures include practicing safe sex with barrier methods like condoms, regular STI screening, and medical check-ups before invasive gynecological procedures
. In summary, PID is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to serious reproductive health issues if not promptly treated
