I am a 24-year-old female. My friend said that pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) could put you at risk of infertility. Does it mean I can't conceive? What are the tips to prevent it? Please help.
The query is answered by Dr Shobha Gupta, Infertility Expert from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one of the most ignored sexually transmitted disease, which can also lead to infertility. It causes infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs, thereby putting you at high risk of infertility. Most cases of PID are caused by an infection that has spread from the vagina or the neck of the womb (cervix) to the reproductive organs higher up. Many different types of bacteria can cause PID, but most common one is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) due to chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Hence, having sex with a person infected with chlamydia, an infection caused by chlamydia trachomatis, might up your risk drastically.
In most cases, PID affects sexually active women, under the age of 25 years. This is because, the cervix of a woman below 25 years is not entirely prepared to fight sexually transmitted disease, which can later result into PID. Other than that, women who choose to have multiple sex partners and the ones who are in the right age cohort of conceiving are also at most risk.
It is estimated that one in every five women who have PID becomes infertile. However, most women can get pregnant without problems after a single episode of PID. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can lead to grave consequences including infertility, or pregnancy in the fallopian tube or elsewhere outside of the womb, sore formation, and chronic pelvic pain. And hence, seeking medical help with early detection can prevent severe outcomes.
Here are a few tips you need to keep in mind to lower your risk of sexually transmitted diseases and also PID.
1. Consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms of vaginal infection or signs of sexually transmitted disease. As early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to other reproductive organs.
2. Practise safe sex and always use a condom. Condoms not only prevent unwanted pregnancies but also lower your risk of infection. However, make sure you use superior quality latex condoms which can reduce the risk of STD.
3. Go for regular check-ups as this helps in knowing an infection at the earliest. Sexually active women who are 25 years old or younger, women who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners and all pregnant women should visit a gynaecologist.
4. The genital symptoms such as an unusual sore, discharge with odour, burning sensation during urination or bleeding between menstrual cycles could mean sexually transmitted infection. In such a scenario, abstain from having sex and consult a gynaecologist at the earliest to get it sorted. Here are reasons to visit your gynaecologist.
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