General Information About Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where a woman's upper reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries) become infected and inflamed by microbes.
The vast majority of cases originate from sexually transmitted infections (Chlamydia and Gonorrhea). Bacteria can also migrate upwards after the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) or an abortion procedure.
Symptoms include dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, deep pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), yellow or green foul-smelling discharge, and high fever.
Yes. As the inflammation heals, it leaves permanent scars and adhesions in the fallopian tubes. When the tubes are blocked, the egg and sperm cannot meet (infertility), or the fertilized egg cannot descend into the uterus and remains in the tube, causing an ectopic pregnancy.
It is typical for the patient to experience severe pain when the cervix is moved during a gynecological examination. The infection is confirmed through discharge cultures, blood tests, and pelvic ultrasound.
Dual or triple antibiotic therapy is quickly initiated to eradicate the bacteria. If a sexually transmitted microbe is detected, the patient's partner must also be treated simultaneously to prevent the infection from recurring (ping-pong effect).
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
