Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (P-I-D)

Symptoms can include:

• fever
• a foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• pain in the lower abdomen
• abnormal bleeding and
• pain with sex

To test for P-I-D, your healthcare provider will need to perform an examination and run tests. Blood tests will determine how severe the infection is. If it is not clear that P-I-D is the problem, more testing may be needed. A laparoscope, a telescope-like tool, may be used to look inside the body directly at the female organs. A sonogram is also used to rule out other causes of pelvic symptoms.

Both the woman and her partner should always receive treatment for the infection to help prevent two serious problems. A pocket of pus, called an abscess, can form causing damage to the female organs, or death. The other concern is the possibility of not being able to get pregnant in the future. Scars caused by P-I-D can hinder a woman's ability to get pregnant. The more times a woman has P-I-D, the more scars will develop on her organs.

A hospital stay may be necessary if the P-I-D infection is severe. Antibiotic drugs are given by vein at that time followed by antibiotic tablets for a total of 10 to 14 days. If the infection is not too severe, tablets can be taken at home for the entire time.

People at risk for P-I-D have more than one sex partner, have a sex partner with more than one sex partner, or do not use a barrier protection, like a condom. The birth control method called an IUD adds to their risk. Practice safe sex. Use a plastic or latex condom with a water-based lubricant. Seek medical care right away if you notice any unusual symptoms.

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