Pelvic inflammatory disease affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. This disease is closely related to sexually transmitted diseases caused by unsafe sexual activities. As reported by StatPearls, PID is most common in women ages 15 to 25.
Pelvic inflammation does not just happen. many risk factors cause this inflammation. Therefore, ladies need to know information about PID so that they can take early prevention in the future and avoid other complications. Check out the explanation in this article.
Overview of pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammation, also known as a pelvic inflammatory disease, is an inflammation that occurs in the female reproductive organs due to infection. Usually, PID appears due to complications caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, it is possible that non-sexually transmitted diseases also cause PID.
PID symptoms
Symptoms felt by patients are sometimes not recognized. Even some women do not show any signs. However, the most common symptoms that occur are as follows:
- Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area ranges from mild to severe.
- Unusual vaginal discharge, such as a strong odor
- Vaginal bleeding, especially during intercourse or in between
- Pain during intercourse
- Fever and chills
- Pain when urinating
Causes and risk factors
Gonorrhea and chlamydia infections are the most common causes. This is because bacteria appear due to not using protection during sex. In addition, bacteria can come from anywhere, including when the cervix has problems, such as during menstruation, childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
There are also cases caused by procedures that involve inserting devices into the uterus, such as IUD for birth control or other medical examinations. On the other hand, some factors increase a person's risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, such as:
- Not taking care of yourself when exposed to sexually transmitted diseases.
- Having more than one sex partner
- Having a partner who has other sex partners
- Have sex without a condom.
- Have had PID before
- Sexually active, 25 years or younger
- Douching, because this disrupts the growth of good bacteria, causing vaginal protection is not optimal
- Using an IUD as a contraceptive. Usually, PID happens in the first three weeks after insertion.
PID is common at ages 25 and younger
Prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease can be prevented early. To reduce the risk of PID, it's a good idea to do the following:
- Have safe sex by using a condom. Remember to stick with one partner and ask about their sexual history.
- Actively consulting health services regarding contraceptives. There is a chance that the method does not protect 100% against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Avoid douching as it disrupts the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
Practice safer sex
Complications
PID, whose delayed treatment is closely associated with worsening progression and even causes long-term complications. Usually, women with PID will experience excruciating pelvic pain, and it is believed to be due to an infection that has occurred. PID can also happen repeatedly.
Another dangerous complication is infertility, where the initial infection is caused by chlamydia. This is because the inflammation that occurs causes the fallopian tubes to become damaged. Studies show that women with a history of PID have a five times higher risk of infertility. Damaged fallopian tubes can eventually lead to an ectopic pregnancy.
That's a glimpse of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which is, in fact, a condition that is very likely to be treated. It is known that the majority of women make a full recovery. If ladies feel any symptoms or are concerned, see a Fitie specialist, OK?
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (No date). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). [Online] https://www.cdc.gov/std/pid/stdfact-pid.htm#:~:text=What%20is%20PID%3F,transmitted%20can%20also%20cause%20PID.
Healthline. (2019). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). [Online] https://www.healthline.com/health/pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid#complications
Jennings LK, Krywko DM. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. [Updated 2022 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499959/
Mayoclinic. (2022). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). [Online] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
National Health Service. (2022). Overview: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. [Online] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid/