Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), as an infection of the female reproductive organs, is one of the most serious complications of a STD in women. If left untreated, it can cause great damage to the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other parts of the female reproductive system. According to WHO, it accounts for more than 1 million women with infertility in the US.

PID Causes

Generally, the cervix serves the function that prevents bacteria from spreading to the internal reproductive organs. The cervix itself will become infected and lose its normal function to a large extent if it is exposed to a STD such as gonorrhea and/or Chlamydia. When the disease-causing organisms travel from the cervix to the upper genital tract, PID occurs. About 90% of all cases of PID are caused by untreated gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Abortion, childbirth, and pelvic procedures can also lead to PID.

PID Symptoms

The symptoms of PID can vary. When presents, may include the following:

Abnormal vaginal discharge that is yellow or green in color or that has an unusual odor
Dull pain or tenderness in the stomach or lower abdominal area, or pain in the right upper abdomen
Chills or high fever
Painful urination
Pain during sex
Nausea and vomiting

PID Diagnosis

Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam to check the health status of your reproductive organs and check if you have gonorrhea and Chlamydia infection. The abnormal cervical discharge and tenderness of the cervix, fallopian tubes and cervix will be examined. If your doctor suspects PID, he or she may order other tests for you, including blood tests and ultrasound. Blood tests can analyze blood for evidence of infection, while ultrasound can view the reproductive organs. Endometrial biopsy and Laparoscopy can be also performed sometimes but less commonly.

PID Treatment

After diagnosing PID, you need to accept treatment immediately. The common treatments include antibiotics, herbal medicines and surgery.

Antibiotics: One or more antibiotics that can be taken by mouth are usually the initial treatment for mild cases of PID. You may need a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics for more significant cases. If those even don’t work, you may need to be hospitalized to receive medication intravenously.

Herbal medicines: Herbal medicines are another alternative treatment for PID patients, like Fuyan Pill. Unlike antibiotics, it will not cause any side effects and drug resistance and can help PID patients get cure completely in a short time without recurrence.

Surgery: If antibiotics or herbal medicines will be no longer as effective when an abscess occur, surgery will be needed to remove the abscesses (or the organ with the abscess) to prevent them from spreading those infections to the pelvis and abdomen.