Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a common infection that affects the reproductive organs of women. According to a report by the Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of India (FOGSI), 24-32% of women in India are affected by PID. The process normally entails a bacterial infection at the vagina and cervix, and then the spread vectors of the vaginal area and the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are among the common causes of PID. Sometimes, it may also be a result of other bacteria being introduced into the reproductive system.
In this article, Dr Kshitiz Murdia, CEO & Co-Founder, Indira IVF, helps us understand the condition and the various signs and symptoms that the body can show up when you are dealing with the complications of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a concerning infection quite common among women. It’s a deep infection in the female reproductive system and is often the result of untreated sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Specifically, PID can be a silent attacker on a woman’s fertility.
According to the experts, bacterial infection is the primary driver behind PID, often coming from untreated STIs. They sneak into the reproductive system via the cervix, triggering infection and inflammation. Women with a diverse sexual historical background, past STI episodes or cases of PID, routine use of douching, or those using intrauterine devices (IUDs) for contraception might be more at risk.
Scroll down to know the subtle signs and symptoms that that body may show up when you are suffering from PID.
Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
In cases where the symptoms are less severe, many women fail to notice the occurrence of PID. The most common PID symptoms include:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Mild pelvis pain
- More frequent vaginal discharge
- Menstrual irregularities
- Body temperatures above 38°C
- Pain during intercourse
- Painful and frequent urination
- Abdomen tenderness, and
- Inflammation
How Does Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Affect Women’s Reproductive Health?
If not treated, PID can severely affect fertility in women. One of the ways it impacts fertility is by scarring and damaging the fallopian tubes. The role of these tubes is crucial in the process of fertilisation as they carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, and facilitate the process of fertilisation wherein the egg and sperm fuse to form an embryo. When they are scarred or blocked, the whole fertilisation process is hindered thus, reducing the chances of conception. Another complication of PID is the development of tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOAs), which are inflammatory masses involving the ovaries and nearby pelvic organs. These abscesses can result in substantial damage to the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which adds to the danger of infertility.
PID is also linked to a higher chance of an ectopic pregnancy, which is the implantation of an embryo in a position other than the uterus, usually one of the fallopian tubes. Unviable ectopic pregnancies can pose serious health risks for the woman. Moreover, some women may develop chronic pelvic pain as a result of PID, and this can result in poor life quality and might hinder with fertility in the future.
Essential Preventive Strategies You Should Know
Preventing PID is crucial for protecting fertility. Practicing safe intercourse with the use of physical barriers such as condoms, as well as regular STI screenings may help prevent PID. Moreover, proactive screening of chlamydia in young and sexually active women can help them prevent PID and take measures to safeguard their reproductive health. Early detection and immediate treatment of STIs can also prevent them from advancing into PID. Preventing PID in women can help them guard their reproductive health and increase their chances of conceiving in the future.