Bane of women – PID

Women need to watch out for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, an infection of female reproductive organs. This stealthy disease, does not show symptoms most of the times, can make us infertile or even put our lives at risk through ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies occur when embryo gets implanted in fallopian tubes instead of uterus.

PID can cause permanent damage to the female reproductive organs. Infection-causing bacteria can silently invade the fallopian tubes causing normal tissue to turn into scar tissue. This scar tissue blocks or interrupts the normal movement of eggs into the uterus.

Many women who develop PID may not experience any sign and symptom or seek treatment. When they seek medical treatment for conception, they may know about PID.

Who can get PID?

Women at greater risk for PID include those at greater risk for sexually transmitted disease.

High-risk group includes:

• Sexually active adolescents are at increased risk of PID.
• Multiple sexual partners
• Not using condoms
• Having an insertion of IUD (Intra Uterine Device – Copper T)
• Regular douching
• History of sexually transmitted disease or PID

Symptoms

Though PID may be asymptomatic, pain in lower abdomen and pelvis is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

• Pain in lower abdomen and pelvis
• Heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Pain during intercourse
• Low back pain
• Fever, fatigue, diarrohea or vomiting
• Painful or difficult urination

Treating PID

Treating PID can prove difficult. Symptoms are subtle; sometimes mimic symptoms of other diseases. If you belong to the high-risk group, stay cautious because an early detection is early treatment. An early treatment may limit long-term complication like infertility. The normal route of treatment for PID is prescribing antibiotics. As with antibiotics, add yoghurt to supplement the loss of good bacteria. In extreme cases, when an abscess ruptures, your doctor may perform a surgery.

Emergency symptoms demand prompt medical care. These include:

• Severe pain low in your abdomen
• Fever
• Vomiting

Prevention

• Adolescents should delay sexual activity
• Monogamy is safe.
• Get your partner tested and treated for any infection.
• Use condoms.
• Avoid douching.
• Avoid IUDs

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