Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a condition that affects women's reproductive organs.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the main causes of PID.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection that needs to be treated as soon as possible to avoid problems with fertility.
Infertility is common after being diagnosed with PID.
This is because the inflammation in the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes can cause considerable scarring and damage.
The effects of scarring on fallopian tubes and the uterus can also cause ectopic pregnancies.
This refers to a condition that occurs when an egg is fertilized and grows outside of the uterus, generally in the fallopian tube.
This can be life-threatening.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease occurs when bacteria travel through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
If you are under the age of twenty-five then you are at a higher risk of developing PID.
This is because the cervix does not fully develop until the age of twenty-five.
Women who douche are also at a higher risk because douching washes away the protective flora that is normally present around the cervix.
Douching sends a forceful current into the cervix which can help shuttle dangerous bacteria directly into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can be so mild that they go undetected.
This is why many women go undiagnosed until damage has occurred.
In some cases, the symptoms can be more severe.
Symptoms include fever, pain during intercourse or urination, irregular periods or a foul smelling vaginal discharge.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your OB/GYN and seek treatment.
If you delay, then the effects of PID can become much worse and even life-threatening.
Your OB/GYN may test you for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
These are the main causes for PID, but not the only ones.
Many sexually transmitted diseases can cause PID.
Your doctor may order an ultrasound to see if your fallopian tubes look swollen.
When the infection invades your fallopian tubes and uterus, your body will actively fight off the infection.
This is what causes the swelling and the development of scar tissue.
Treatment of PID includes antibiotics to fight off the infection.
If scarring and damage have occurred and you are trying to conceive, then laparoscopic surgery may be necessary to clear away scar tissue and restore your ability to conceive.