Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the female reproductive system. It starts as a bacterial vaginal infection which then spreads to other organs such as the uterus and fallopian tubes. It is a serious infection and can kill if left untreated.
What Causes PID?
- Usually it is sexually transmitted, caused by having sex with a partner affected with gonerrhea, or sleeping with several sexual partners, but this is not always the case and it can be contracted in other ways.
- Not using a condom.
- Douching the vagina (this can actually cause bacteria to enter).
- Other medical conditions/infections which are left untreated and progress into PID.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth.
- Use of an IUD or other internal contraceptive device.
- Being under the age of 25 - women under this age have immature reproductive organs which are more suseptible to infection.
What Are The Symptoms?
- Pain during urination and sexual intercourse.
- Heavy vaginal discharge which is green or yellow (normal secretions should be clear).
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Iregular periods.
Around 15% of those affected by PID have secondary infertility as a result. Abcesses may form in the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, which cause scarring, resulting in the inability of the egg to travel down the tubes or the womb lining to be so damaged that a potential embryo cannot implant. These abcesses can also be life-threatening to the woman and require surgical removal.
Treatments
PID is treated with oral or injectable antibiotics for minor cases, and IV antibiotics (through a drip) in more severe cases. If caught early enough, this can prevent any infertility. If there is any scarring, though, such treatment will not correct this. If you have damaged tubes, you may require In Vitro Fertilization in order to conceive. You will also be at increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and pre-term birth.
Preventative Measures
- Get any suspected vaginal infection treated. You can also use tea tree oil in the bath to prevent vaginal infections, or use tea tree or neem oil pessaries.
- Consider an alternative contraceptive to the IUD, especially if you are under 25 or you suffer repeated infections.
- Have only one sexual partner.
- Use a condom.
- Have any potential partners tested for STIs, and get tested yourself.
- Don't douch your vagina or use harsh cleansing products on it.
- Consider a nutritional supplement or vitamin C to boost your immune system against infections.
