Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) affects more women today than it did some years ago. It is a condition where there is an infection of female genital tracts inside the cavity (uterus, fallopian tubes & ovaries). Dr. Uma Rani, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute tells us about the disease.

Causes

Causes

The disease is caused by infections – viral, bacterial or sometimes even by worms. Women belonging to lower socio-economic class who are not able to maintain personal hygiene, women who indulge in unsafe sex, women with multiple sexual partners, those who use unsterile sanitary pads during cycle are most likely to suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease. Females who are malnourished or infected with AIDS or are on immunosuppressant drugs are also prone to this disease. (Read: Freedom from vaginal infections is possible!)

Symptoms

A woman suffering from this disease may have symptoms like –

Pain in the lower abdomen
Fever
Difficulties in passing urine and stool
Menstrual irregularities like frequent menstruation, heavy flow, painful cycle, etc.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease is usually done by examining the medical history of a patient, her clinical assessment and doing an ultrasonography (USG). A patient suffering from this disease is usually prescribed antibiotics which should be taken in an optimum dose for a minimum of 14 days. Anti-tubercular therapy is done if tuberculosis is suspected.

Complications

If not cared or controlled in proper time and with proper treatments, this disease can form multiple adhesions (scars) of different organs of pelvis and can extend to abdomen creating masses inside pelvic cavity. It can also block the fallopian tubes causing infertility and can obstruct ureters (urine path) thus damaging kidneys. As the disease can block the fallopian tubes and form turbo ovarian mass, it is a major factor for causing infertility.

Prevention

It can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene (local as well as menstrual), having safe sexual life, using condoms to prevent infection from partner and avoiding multiple sexual partners. Further, proper nutrition can also increase the body’s immunity to fight against infections. (Read: Top 15 women’s health concerns)