Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is characterised by inflammation of a woman's reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries), which is caused by infection. It is generally an ascending infection, spreading from the lower genital tract (vulva and vagina) to the upper genital tract (uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes).
Types of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are classified based on the duration of inflammation that follows as
Most pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms (female) are mild and may include one or more of the following signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease:
Regular reproductive health checkups are crucial for sexually active women since some individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. However, PID symptoms might show extreme pain and fever if it is caused by a bacteria called gonorrhoea.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is primarily caused by bacterial infections that spread from the vagina or cervix to the upper genital tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The most common culprits are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly:
These bacteria are often transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Once in the lower genital tract, they can ascend to infect the upper reproductive organs, especially if left untreated.
In addition to STIs, other types of bacteria can contribute to PID:
PID can also result from non-sexually transmitted infections or procedures that introduce bacteria into the upper genital tract, including:
These procedures may introduce bacteria directly or disrupt the natural barriers that normally prevent bacteria from ascending into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Factors increasing the risk of PID include:
Untreated or recurrent PID can lead to serious and long-term complications:
The diagnosis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is primarily clinical, based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings. Because early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications, clinicians often initiate treatment based on clinical suspicion even before all test results are available.
Key Components of the diagnostic process include:
Treatment involves prompt administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, and anaerobic bacteria. Empiric treatment is often started before test results return due to the risk of complications. Common regimens include:
Hospitalization may be required for severe cases or if abscesses are present. Sexual partners must also be treated to prevent reinfection
Note: Medication is only advisable under doctor's consideration.
If abscesses develop, they may require drainage through laparoscopic.
3D laparoscopic removal of an abscess is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a 3D camera system to provide enhanced depth perception and precision. This allows the surgeon to accurately locate, drain, and remove a pelvic abscess with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, leading to faster recovery and reduced complications.
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.
The most common causes are sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can also result from non-sexually transmitted infections or after procedures like IUD insertion or childbirth.
Symptoms may include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sex, fever, painful urination, or irregular menstrual bleeding. Some women may have mild or no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis is based on a combination of pelvic exam findings, lab tests for STIs, blood tests for infection, imaging (ultrasound or CT), and sometimes laparoscopy.
Yes, with prompt antibiotic treatment, most cases of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can be cured. However, delays in treatment can lead to serious complications.
Yes, If left untreated, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can cause scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
Treatment usually involves antibiotics. Severe cases or those with abscesses may require hospitalization or minimally invasive surgery, such as 3D laparoscopy.
Yes, Having PID once increases the risk of getting it again, especially if the underlying STI is not fully treated or if exposure occurs again.
Using condoms, getting regular STI screenings, limiting the number of sexual partners, and ensuring timely treatment of any infections can help prevent PID.
You should avoid sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and symptoms have fully resolved to prevent re-infection.