Every year in the United States, about a million women experience symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a chronic condition that causes achiness or cramps in the lower belly or pelvic region, along with other symptoms. PID can have long-lasting effects on your comfort and your health too, increasing your risks of infertility and pregnancy problems.
At his practice in Newburgh, Indiana, Dr. Paul Morrison helps women manage PID symptoms, as well as understand what steps they can take to prevent PID from occurring. Here, learn the basics of PID and what you can do to keep the disease and its symptoms at bay.
PID is an inflammatory disease that can affect every part of your reproductive system, including your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. PID begins in the lower portion of the reproductive system, spreading upward over time.
Pelvic inflammatory disease occurs when bacteria invade the reproductive system, causing infection and tissue damage. Lots of bacteria can cause PID, including bacteria associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In fact, about 85% of PID cases begin with an STI.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are among the most common agents associated with PID. About 10-15% of women with these infections will go on to develop PID. Infections with other germs, including E. coli and germs from respiratory infections, can also lead to PID.
In addition to chronic or recurrent pain and aching in your lower belly, PID can cause other symptoms like:
PID can also occur even without symptoms, which is why having regular checkups and understanding how to prevent PID are so important.
Any sexually active female is at risk of developing PID, but there are some things you can do to reduce that risk.
Since PID is often associated with STIs, taking steps to reduce your risk of infection is critical. Practicing safer sex is one of the best ways to prevent STIs and PID. While using condoms isn’t 100% effective, it can significantly reduce your risk. Limiting the number of sex partners you have is also important, and you should never engage in sex when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Regular STI screening helps “catch” infections as early as possible, before they have a chance to spread and cause complications like PID. Screening is quick and entirely confidential.
If you have any unusual symptoms, like irregular menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or vaginal itching or discharge, schedule a visit with Dr. Morrison right away so you can receive appropriate care. Remember, even minor issues like vaginosis can lead to PID.
Many women mistakenly think regular douching is good for vaginal health, but that’s not true. Douching actually disrupts the natural flora that help your reproductive tract fight off invading germs. It’s better to avoid douching entirely to preserve your vagina’s natural health and function.
PID can be treated with antibiotics, but because some infections can cause long-term complications, it’s important to seek treatment at the first sign of symptoms and to take steps to avoid the STIs that can lead to PID. If you have symptoms of PID or it’s time for an STI screening, call 812-490-5200 or book an appointment online with the practice of Paul W. Morrison, M.D., today.
