|
Type of
infection: |
Bacteria |
|
Infectious Organism: |
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Chlamydia trachomatis
(Bacterial
vaginosis is also associated with PID)
|
|
Location in the body: |
Infection of the
uterus, tubes ovaries.
|
|
Symptoms: |
Women may have only mild
pain or no symptoms even though serious damage to their internal
reproductive organs may be occurring.
Many patients have
lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge, painful intercourse.
|
|
Method
of spread: |
Vaginal intercourse;
the more sex partners a woman has, the greater the risk of PID.
|
|
Consequences: |
PID can
cause permanent damage (scar tissue) to the fallopian tubes. If the
tubes are totally blocked by scar tissue, the egg and sperm cannot meet
causing infertility. Estimated 100,000 women become infertile (can’t
get pregnant) each year as a result of PID.
If the tubes are partially
blocked or slightly damaged, the fertilized egg can get stuck in the
tube (tubal or ectopic pregnancy); an ectopic pergnancy can rupture the
tube and cause severe pain, internal bleeding, and even death.
Scarring of the
fallopian tubes and ovaries can also cause pelvic pain that lasts for
months or even years.
|
|
Number
of new cases per year: |
1,000,000 |
|
Total
number infected now: |
Unknown |
|
Tests
to see if you have it: |
PID is
difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often mild and many cases go
undetected.
No precise tests, but
cultures of the cervix to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea should be
performed in women with lower abdominal pain who are sexually active.
Ultrasound and
surgery may be necessary to diagnose PID.
|
|
Treatment: |
Antibiotics by mouth (pills) or intravenous (I.V.) in the hospital can
kill the bacteria causing the PID, but CANNOT reverse any damage that
has already occurred to the fallopian tubes.
About 25% of women
with PID must be admitted to the hospital.
|
