What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease? Know its causes, risks, symptoms and prevention methods
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the upper genital tract, often affecting young women. Caused by organisms like Neisseria and Chlamydia, it may present with pain, fever, discharge, or remain silent.
Overview of Pelvic Inflammatory disease Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to a spectrum of infection of the upper genital organs, along with inflammation. It usually involves the endometrium (the innermost layer of the uterus), fallopian tubes, and ovaries, along with the pelvic peritoneum. The surrounding structures (parametrium) may be involved as well.(Image: Canva)
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Silent nature and age group This disease may sometimes not produce any symptoms, and two-thirds of the cases are seen in women under the age of twenty-five years. It is mostly a problem for women in the reproductive age group. There are multiple risk factors that contribute to the development of pelvic inflammatory disease.(Image: Canva)
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Multiple risk factors Risk factors for this disease include menstruating teenagers, absence of contraceptive pill use, using intra-uterine devices and a previous history of acute pelvic inflammatory disease. A partner with urethritis or sexually transmitted disease may also be a risk factor.(Image: Canva)
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Protective factors and contraceptives While there can be many risk factors, there are certain protective factors as well. Use of contraceptive and barrier methods, along with spermicides, may aid in reducing the chances of infection. Oral steroidal contraceptives help in producing a thick mucus plug, and decrease the duration of menstruation, which does not allow bacteria to colonise.(Image: Canva)
Additional protective factors Other protective factors include pregnancy and menopause. Being vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV may also reduce the chances of a pelvic inflammatory disease. PID is often caused by multiple microbes. These include Neisseria gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis.(Image: Canva)
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Typical clinical symptoms People affected with pelvic inflammatory disease may have a number of non-specific symptoms. Pain may be experienced in the lower abdominal and the pelvic area, often dull in nature. In case of a gonococcal infection, such pain may be more rapid and acute.(Image: Canva)
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Complications and fitz-hugh-curtis The affected individual may also experience fever and lassitude, along with headache. If the endometrial layer gets inflamed, the female may experience irregular and excessive vaginal bleeding. The vaginal discharge can become purulent and copious in case of infections.(Image: Canva)
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Liver involved There may also be pain in the right side of the abdomen, due to perihepatitis (known as Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome). The liver gets inflamed due to gonococcal or chlamydia infection. Fever is usually beyond 38.3 °C and tenderness on the lower abdomen is common.(Image: Canva)
Diagnostic investigations A number of investigations are helpful in diagnosis and identifying the causative organism in pelvic inflammatory disease. Discharge may be collected from the urethra or the cervical canal, and a Gram stain and culture sensitivity may aid in revealing the bacteria responsible for the infection.(Image: Canva)
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Gold standard investigation Laparoscopy is considered the gold standard for pelvic inflammatory diseases, but it may not be feasible in all cases. It is mostly done to rule out other conditions like salpingitis, appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy.(Image: Canva)
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Prevention and management measures Preventive measures include public health awareness and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases with safe practices. Use of contraceptives and screening of high-risk population may aid in preventing complications. Bed rest is necessary and intravenous fluids may be given to deal with dehydration.(Image: Canva) Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
