PID (PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs — uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and ovaries. The disease usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria ascend from your vagina into the uterus and the upper genital tract. PID may also develop when naturally occurring vaginal bacteria travel up a contraceptive device or when bacteria are introduced during gynecologic procedures, such as insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) or abortion.
In the United States, the rate of PID is highest among teenagers. But many teenagers who develop PID either don't experience symptoms or don't seek treatment if they do. PID may be detected only later when they have trouble becoming pregnant and find that their reproductive organs have been damaged. PID may also be detected at a later time when a woman develops problems with pelvic pain.
About 1 million American women receive a diagnosis of PID each year. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), annually more than 100,000 women become infertile as a result of PID and thousands suffer complications of pregnancy. In addition, more than 150 women die of PID each year.
Cause: usually chlamydia or gonorrhea
Symptoms: lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, severe menstrual-like cramps, malodorous vaginal discharge, fever
Complications: sterility (inability to become pregnant), chronic pelvic pain, pain every time you have intercourse, hysterectomy (removal of womb due to uncontrolled infection)
Treatment: hospitalization for aggressive antibiotic and supportive therapy
Prevention: Don't get chlamydia or gonorrhea; get treated early for any possible infection while it's still easy to cure.