Do you know that pelvic infections can have a profound impact on your overall health and well-being? Over a million young women (15-25 years old) are affected by Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) every year, often without even realising it. That’s the tricky part. It often shows little to no symptoms, making it easy to overlook. But just because its symptoms are unnoticeable doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
When left undiagnosed or untreated, PID can cause lasting damage to your reproductive organs and even impact fertility in the long run. That’s why regular check-ups aren’t just a good idea. They’re essential, especially when you are a sexually active individual. The good news? With the right awareness and preventive care, PID can be detected early and managed effectively. In this article, let’s learn everything about pelvic inflammatory disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: What Is It?
It is one of the major health problems that impact women's reproductive organs, primarily the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. Typically, it occurs when a bacterial infection spreads from the vagina and cervix to the upper reproductive organs.
PID: Understanding Your Risk
You might be more susceptible if you:
• Are under 25 and sexually active
• Have sex with multiple partners (or if your partner does)
• Have had a previous sexually transmitted infection
• Don't use condoms during intercourse
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Causes
Other than the bacterial infections (discussed above), the other causes include:
• Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea can infect the cervix. They may even spread to the upper reproductive organs, causing pelvic inflammatory diseases.
• Douching is another cause that may increase the risk of these inflammatory diseases. This practice can push harmful bacteria from the vagina up into the reproductive organs, where they destroy the natural balance of vaginal bacteria.
• Inserting an intrauterine device may also provoke PID immediately following the procedure. However, this is a relatively low incidence if proper STI screening is done beforehand.
• Medical Procedures, like any pelvic surgery or miscarriage that involves certain invasive procedures, can affect the uterus. Such processes introduce bacteria, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease.
Now that we’ve covered the causes, let’s look at the symptoms that indicate PID.
Symptoms Of Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases
Look out for the following signs and symptoms:
• Pain in your lower belly
• Abnormal vaginal discharge or odour.
• Unusual bleeding (after sex or between periods)
• Painful urination or intercourse
• Fever or chills
Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases Diagnosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is usually identified through a physical examination. Under this process, the doctor gently checks for any signs of infection in the reproductive area. To better understand the cause, vaginal or cervical swabs may be taken for lab testing. In some cases, your healthcare provider may also recommend an ultrasound to get a clearer view of the internal organs and check for possible inflammation.
Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases Treatment
Treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease typically involves a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. In more complex cases, these may be given through an IV for faster action. If an abscess develops in the fallopian tubes or ovaries, your doctor may recommend a minor surgery. This process will help remove it safely and reduce the risk of further complications.
How To Reduce The Risk Of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Taking a few mindful steps can help lower your chances of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease:
• Be Mindful of Sexual Partners. Having multiple partners may increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which may further lead to PID cases.
• Be smart and active. If you notice any unusual discharge, pelvic pain, or discomfort, it’s best to check in with a doctor without delay.
• Routine visits to your gynaecologist can help catch infections early. Yearly screenings for chlamydia and gonorrhoea are also recommended for sexually active individuals.
The Final Takeaway
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is more than just a hidden threat. It’s a condition that can quietly compromise fertility and long-term well-being if left unchecked. The good news? With the right knowledge, proactive care, and timely testing, PID can be diagnosed early and treated effectively.
To support early detection, the Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Panel by RT-PCR offers advanced testing for key pathogens linked to PID, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis. With high accuracy and quick results, this panel empowers you to take control of your reproductive health before complications arise.
So, make routine checks a priority and ensure every step you take today protects your tomorrow. To know more about this test in detail, visit www.lifecell.in