PIDS: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is PIDS?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a term applied for inflammation of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus), ovaries and other reproductive organs. It results into formation of scars with adhesions to nearby tissues and organs and may lead to infertility, pelvic pain and abscess formation.

Recovery Time

Most cases of pelvic inflammatory diseases clear up after 10 to 14 days of antibiotic treatment. Severe cases may need to be treated in a hospital.

Diagnosis

It is initiated with a physical examination thereby indicating fever and tender pelvis and ovaries.

• Bleeding cervix.
• Pain with the movement of the cervical region.
• Lab tests include ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate), WBC count.
• Others include-Ultrasonography, endometrial biopsy, laparoscopy.

FAQs prepared by doctor

Q1.  What is Pelvic inflammatory disease(PID)?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a term applied for inflammation of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus), ovaries and other reproductive organs.
Infection can extend beyond the reproductive tract to cause pelvic peritonitis, generalized peritonitis, perihepatitis, perisplenitis, or pelvic abscess.

Q2.  How do I know I have PID?

• Pain in the lower pelvis during menstruation and intercourse
• Bleeding between menstrual periods
• Unusually heavy bleeding during periods
• Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Frequent or painful urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills

Q3. How does it occur?
Chlamydia or gonorrhea may infiltrate your uterus or one of the other reproductive organs during sex. The bacteria can also get into your pelvic area if your cervical opening is larger than usual, which may be the case after childbirth. The presence of blood (especially during menstruation) can also make it easier for you to get infected.

Q4. Is the other partner also treated?
Yes, the other partner is also treated suspecting him to equally carrying the infectious organism.

Q5. Is there a surgery required for PID?
Surgery is necessary for the treatment of salpingitis only in the face of life-threatening infection (such as rupture or threatened rupture of a tuboovarian abscess) or for drainage of an abscess. Conservative surgical procedures are usually sufficient. Pelvic abscesses can often be drained by posterior colpotomy, and peritoneal lavage can be used for generalized peritonitis.