What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that affects the upper reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This condition can cause a range of symptoms that may be mild or severe, and if left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications. In this article, we will review the symptoms of PID, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

PID is a medical condition that often occurs when an infection spreads from the vagina to the upper reproductive organs. The most common cause of this inflammation is a bacterial infection, which can be transmitted through sexual contact.

However, PID can also result from other infections that lead to inflammation of the upper reproductive organs, such as appendicitis or other surgical procedures.

What Are the Symptoms of PID?

Women with PID may not notice any symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, as the infection worsens, they may experience:

Pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
Thick vaginal discharge that may be green or yellow and have a foul odor.
Pain or bleeding during intercourse.
Fever and chills.
Painful urination or difficulty urinating.
Vomiting or nausea.

Causes of PID

As mentioned earlier, PID occurs when bacteria enter the reproductive system. These bacteria travel from the vagina through the cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Normally, the cervix prevents the bacteria from spreading to the internal reproductive organs, but any type of infection can affect the cervix’s function and disrupt its defenses.

Several types of bacteria can cause PID, but the most common are those resulting from gonorrhea and chlamydia, accounting for about 90% of cases. These infections are primarily transmitted through sexual contact.

In less common cases, PID may occur when beneficial bacteria that normally live in the vagina enter the reproductive organs. This can happen after:

Childbirth.
Pelvic surgery.
Abortion.
Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD).

Are There Complications of PID?

The risk of complications from PID increases the longer the infection persists. Infections can lead to scar tissue formation inside the fallopian tubes, causing several issues, including:

Chronic pelvic pain

This is one of the most common complications, with studies indicating that about 20% of those affected may experience severe, long-lasting pain.

Ectopic pregnancy

Scar tissue can prevent a fertilized egg from moving to the uterus, leading to implantation in the fallopian tubes.

The incidence of ectopic pregnancy is significantly higher in individuals with PID compared to others.

Infertility

Scar tissue can block the fallopian tubes, preventing the ability to conceive, affecting about 10% of those with PID.

Ovarian abscess

This refers to a pus-filled pocket that often forms in the fallopian tubes and ovaries, potentially leading to severe symptoms and significant fatigue.

How is PID Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of PID, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the chances of success.

There is no specific test for diagnosing PID, but a doctor may rely on several steps, including:

Reviewing medical history.
Conducting a pelvic exam, which involves examining the reproductive organs for pain or the presence of abscesses.
Taking a sample of vaginal discharge to test for specific types of bacteria.

The doctor may recommend additional tests, such as:

Blood tests: To check for infection or other health issues.
Urine tests: To rule out a urinary tract infection, which may cause similar symptoms to PID.
Ultrasound: To obtain clear images of the reproductive organs.
Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Treatment Options

PID is often treated with antibiotics taken orally, typically for 14 days.

If symptoms persist and there is no improvement, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics. Intravenous antibiotics may also be required in the following cases:

Pregnancy.
Severe infection accompanied by significant nausea.
An abscess in the fallopian tube or ovary.

Is Surgery Necessary?

Surgery sometimes is needed for PID especially if symptoms continue or an abscess persists despite antibiotic treatment.

References:

Watson, S. (2024, April 16). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): What is it? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/what-is-pelvic-inflammatory-disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease. (2024, July 12). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9129-pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid#symptoms-and-causes

What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?