Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It often occurs when bacteria spread from the vagina to other parts of the pelvic area. PID is a serious medical condition that can have long-term consequences if not treated promptly. In some cases, it can even lead to infertility or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.The most common symptoms of PID include abdominal pain and cramping, abnormal vaginal discharge that may be yellowish or greenish in color, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, painful intercourse or urination, and irregular menstrual cycles. Other less common symptoms include pain in the lower back or legs and fatigue. If left untreated, PID can cause severe complications such as abscesses in the reproductive organs or even sepsis (infection throughout the body).The most common cause of PID is having unprotected sex with a partner who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The most commonly associated STIs are gonorrhea and chlamydia; however other organisms such as mycoplasma genitalium may also be responsible for causing PID. Risk factors for developing PID include having multiple sexual partners; using IUDs; having had surgery on your reproductive organs; being younger than 25 years old; douching; smoking cigarettes; being exposed to secondhand smoke; having a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy treatments; receiving fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF); using intrauterine devices (IUDs); engaging in anal sex without protection; or engaging in unprotected oral sex with someone who has an STI. Diagnosis of PID requires getting tested for any underlying infections that could contribute to its development as well as undergoing imaging tests such as ultrasounds to check for any signs of inflammation within your pelvic area. Treatment usually involves antibiotics to fight off any bacterial infections causing your symptoms, although surgery may be necessary if you have developed abscesses due to your condition. Additionally lifestyle changes such as abstaining from sexual activity until you’ve been tested can help prevent reinfection while you’re undergoing treatment for your condition.