Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female upper genital tract, involving the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. PID scars the fallopian tubes, leading to ectopic pregnancy, infertility and chronic pelvic pain. It affects about one in 10 Canadian women.

PID causes PID usually occurs when a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea spreads from the vagina and cervix throughout the pelvis. Other microorganisms in the vagina have also been linked to PID. An infection from an IUD, miscarriage and complications from childbirth are sometimes to blame.

PID symptoms There may be no symptoms, or symptoms may be severe and include lower abdominal pain, painful urination, abnormal menstrual bleeding and discharge.

PID diagnosis/tests If you have symptoms that might be caused by PID, your doctor will do a pelvic exam to find out if you are experiencing pelvic tenderness or have abnormal discharge. She may order blood tests to rule out an ectopic pregnancy or check your white blood cell count. Rarely, a laparoscopic exam, using a tiny camera inserted through the belly button while you're under general anesthetic, is done to check for infection.

PID treatment Prompt treatment of PID will reduce the risk of long-term consequences. The infection is typically treated with a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Sometimes surgery is necessary to help diagnose and treat PID.

PID prevention If you have PID you may be concerned that it could recur, which is possible. To prevent infection, use condoms and get screened regularly for STIs. Change your pads and tampons frequently when you have your period and never douche, which ups the risk of infection. Since smoking also appears to increase the risk of infection, butt out.

Outside resources
Sexualityandu.ca
Women’s Health Matters