Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or virus spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.  Risk factors include having unprotected sex or having multiple sexual partners.

Most common pathogens include

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea

Symptoms

Pelvic inflammatory disease may have no signs or symptoms in the beginning. As such, you may not realise you have the condition until much later when you may experience the following

• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Heavy periods or smelly vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse or while passing urine
• Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
• Ectopic Pregnancy

Click to Watch Video on ‘Pelvic Inflammatory Disease by Disease Journalist

Management

You should see your gynaecologist if you suspect you have may PID to have the following tests done to get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible

• Endocervical Swab
• Hysterosalpingogram
• Diagnostic Laparoscopy +/- Surgery to remove scarring or adhesions

Treatment

1. In acute infection, you need antibiotics to clear the infection.  This may include surgical drainage of any fluid or pus in the pelvis.

2. In chronic or long-standing PID, you may need surgery to remove scarring or adhesions and repair any damage to the Fallopian tube

Prevention

Practice safe sex and insist on using a condom every time (especially with new partners).  Get yourself and your partner tested for sexually transmitted disease (STD) at a lab near you

Discuss with your Gynae Doctor about your treatment options

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