Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is the infection of the female reproductive system, starting from the vagina then to the uterus, fallopian tube and ovaries. Its symptoms can be subtle or well pronounced. This subtle feature of PID is the reason many do not know they have it until it causes complication like infertility or chronic (prolong) pelvic pain in them. The most common cause is gonorrhea and chlamydia infections. These bacteria are usually acquired during unprotected sex.
THINGS THAT COULD MAKE YOU HAVE PID ARE:
1. Multiple sexual partner
2. Previous history of PID
3. Douching: This is the method of washing the vagina to eliminate odour or bacteria. Douching can further push bacteria into the vagina and the bacteria can further ascend into the uterus, leading to PID.
4. Insertion of Intrauterine device.
5. Having unprotected sex
6. Gynaecological events: Bacteria can easily enter your reproductive system during or after menstruation, childbirth and abortion. You should be more cautious with your sexual activities during these events.
SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)
Some women develop symptoms while some don’t. Symptoms shown by some women are:
1. Pain in the lower part of the tummy or abdomen
2. Foul smelling vagina discharge
3. Fever
4. Pain during sex
5. Pain when urinating.
TESTS FOR PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)
Your doctor will run tests to confirm the diagnosis even though he has known from your history and symptoms. Some of these tests are:
1. Full blood count
2. High vagina swab for culture to know the organism responsible for this infection.
3. Pelvic ultrasound scan
TREATMENT
Treatment plan in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is determined according to CDC whether you are to be treated as an in-patient (on admission) or an out-patient, depending on the severity of the infection.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
Practice of safe sex: Limit your sex partner to one. Be faithful to your partner. Do not have sex with partner who practices unwholesome sexual activities.
Get tested: If you find yourself at the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, go for a test. This helps you discover the infection at the early stage and get treated.
Don’t get tested alone: If you have symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, let your sex partner also get screened by a Physician.
Avoid douching: This can make microorganisms get into your reproductive tract
Dr. Adeyemo Olusola is a medical graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria along with certificate in advanced diploma in Principles of Nutrition, Management and Leadership, Dublin and Certificate in Global Health from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In addition to his numerous certifications, he is a certified Telemedicine Physician from Harvard Medical School, USA. He is an avid reader of books from different oases of life, expert in data analysis. “So many a time, I have seen people die avoidable death because of lack of knowledge or information, falling victim of fate. There is then a necessity laid on us to help arm our society to the teeth, as a healthy society cannot be detached from an informed one. Hence, there is need for healthgist.net. We hope you will have a wonderful stay on our website.”
