Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection occurring within the female reproductive organs. Ordinarily, the cervix prevents bacteria in the vagina from passing through the opening into the womb and spreading. In the occurrence of a sexually transmitted infection such as gonorrhea or Chlamydia, the exposed cervix can become infected and allow bacteria to travel into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This causes inflammation and infection, and can potentially cause damage to the fallopian tubes, causing difficulties with fertility. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen, yellow or green discharge, irregular menstrual periods, pain during intercourse, low back pain, and painful urination. Other symptoms may include chills, high fever, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease is usually outpatient administration of antibiotics. Severe cases call for hospitalization, especially for those who are pregnant, under 18, or diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).