Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

                     Pelvic inflammatory disease  (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries as explained by Dr Rama Sofat.

Pelvic inflammatory disease often causes no signs or symptoms. As a result, you might not realize you have the condition and get needed treatment. The condition might be detected later if you have trouble getting pregnant or if you develop chronic pelvic pain.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease might include:

• Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis
• Heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
• Abnormal uterine bleeding, especially during or after intercourse, or between menstrual cycles
• Pain or bleeding during intercourse
• Fever, sometimes with chills
• Painful or difficult urination

Causes

Many types of bacteria can cause PID, but gonorrhea or chlamydia infections are the most common. These bacteria are usually acquired during unprotected sex.

Less commonly, bacteria can enter your reproductive tract anytime the normal barrier created by the cervix is disturbed. This can happen after childbirth, miscarriage as described by Dr Rama Sofat.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease:

Talk to your doctor about contraception: Dr Rama Sofat explains that many forms of contraception do not protect against the development of PID. Using barrier methods, such as a condom, might help to reduce your risk. Even if you take birth control pills, it's still important to use a condom every time you have sex to protect against STIs.

Get tested: If you're at risk of an STI, such as chlamydia, make an appointment with your doctor for testing. Set up a regular screening schedule with your doctor if needed. Early treatment of an STI gives you the best chance of avoiding PID.

Diagnosis

Blood and urine tests: These tests will measure your white blood cell count, which might indicate an infection, and markers that suggest inflammation.

Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of your reproductive organs.

Laparoscopy: During this procedure, your doctor inserts a thin, lighted instrument through a small incision in your abdomen to view your pelvic organs. Dr Rama Sofat Hospital  provides you 

best laparoscopic services at affordable prices.