Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection and inflammation of the female reproductive organs. Bacteria and other micro-organisms may pass from the vagina through neck of the womb (cervix), the womb (uterus) and up to the Fallopian tubes. The ovaries are sometimes also involved.

Most cases of PID are due to the bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea. These are sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You might be at risk if you

• Are sexually active and younger than 25
• Have more than one sex partner
• Douche

Symptoms of PID:

• Fever (not always present)
• Pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, or sometimes the lower back
• Vaginal discharge with abnormal color, texture, or smell

Other symptoms that may occur with PID:

• Bleeding after intercourse
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Frequent or painful urination
• Increased menstrual cramping
• Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
• Lack of appetite
• Nausea, with or without vomiting
• No menstruation
• Painful sexual intercourse

If left untreated, it can cause serious problems, such as infertility.

Diagonosis of PID:

 Doctor will do a pelvic exam and will check for:

• Abnormal discharge from your vagina or cervix
• Lumps near your ovaries and tubes
• Pain in your pelvic organs

Your doctor will also test you for STIs and urinary tract infection, and if needed, pregnancy.  your doctor may do other tests.

• Ultrasound — a test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the pelvic area.
• Endometrial  biopsy — the doctor removes and tests a small piece of the endometrium (the inside lining of the womb)
• Laparoscopy  — the doctor inserts a small, lighted tube through your abdomen (stomach area) to look at your pelvic organs.

Treatment of PID:

•  Antibiotics will be prescribed
•  Hospitalization required if it is severe

Prevention of PID:

• Practice safer sex (use of condom)
• Don't douche ( it increases the risk of PID)
• Get tested regularly for sexually transmitted disease 
• See a doc right away if you are seeing some of the above-mentioned symptoms

Source of reference:http://women.webmd.com ; www.about.com; www.wikipedia.com