Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Preventable?

Since millions of women suffer from PID get no effective treatment and the number of the patients is increasing, the question that whether PID is preventable has been raised.

Before answering this question, we must make sure that how does PID occur. In patients' life, the first part to be infected by mycoplasma and chlamydia is cercix uteri, and then cervicitis occurs. The infection would be spread to the pelvic cavity and lead to pelvic infection. Female pelvic cavity refers to womb, fallopian tube, ovary, pelvic peritoneum and the connective tissue near the overy. The infection of those part is called pelvic infection disease.

Pelvic inflammatory disease is most often caused by an STI that hasn't been treated. You can keep from getting pelvic inflammatory disease by not getting an STI.
• The best way to prevent an STI is to not have sex of any kind.
• Have sex with 1 partner who doesn't have any STIs.
• Use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Read and follow the directions on the package. Condoms, when used the right way, can lower your chances of getting an STI.
• Don't douche. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection. This makes it easier for you to get an STI.
• If you're having sex, ask your doctor to test you for STIs. STIs are easier to treat if they are found early.
• Learn the common symptoms of STIs. If you think you might have an STI, see your doctor right away.

The most common preventable cause of PID is an untreated STI, mainly chlamydia or gonorrhea. If you have had chlamydia, you also should be re-tested several months after completing treatment so you can be re-treated, if necessary.