Signs of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Even though thousands of women are affected by Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (or P.I.D.), a very small percentage of women are even aware that it exists. The infection would normally pass from the vagina, through the neck of the womb and then from the womb up into the fallopian tubes. It is common for the ovaries to be affected as well. The bacteria and other micro-organisms could find their way through the vagina and cervix into the internal reproductive organs. The bacterial infection will then cause an inflammation in the reproductive organs and their surroundings, most commonly in the fallopian tubes.
Although Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is often considered to be a sexually transmitted disease, it should be classified as per the affected organs, the stage at which the infection has reached, and the organism that has caused it. This would be because even though it is most often a bacterial infection, it can also be caused by fungal, parasitic and viral organisms. The most common bacterial infection is caused by Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Chlamydia is currently one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Recent studies show that one in every ten sexually active women under the age of 25 is infected. Likewise, Gonorrhea is also found to be quite common in women around the 20 year mark. Recent statistics show an increase among the 35 – 4 year olds. If Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is left untreated, it can lead to some serious long term complications like ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo starts to develop in the fallopian tube), chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Unfortunately, as so many women are completely unaware of the infection and the damage it can do, most really find out they have it only when the permanent damage has already been done.
Some symptoms of PID to look out are:
• A dullish pain the lower abdomen
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• A dull or sharp pain in the lower back
• Fever, often with chills
• Pain in the legs
• An increase in the pain felt during ovulation
• A burning sensation or pain during urination
• An abnormal discharge from the vagina
• Dizziness, vomiting as well as nausea.
The best way to protect yourself from PID is to protect yourself from STD’s. It is best to use a barrier method of conception during intercourse as condoms and femidoms, when used correctly, offer the most protection.
