PID
PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) is a bacterial infection. This can be caused by many different types of bacteria but most cases are caused by a chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection.
How it’s caught
Most cases of PID are caused by an infection in the vagina or cervix that has spread to the reproductive organs higher up. Although in most cases the cause of PID is from a chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection, there are some cases where the cause of the infection that has led to PID is unknown.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PID are quite general, which can mean the condition is difficult to diagnose. Some warnings signs can include pain around the pelvis/lower abdomen, discomfort during sex felt deep inside the pelvis, bleeding between periods and unusual vaginal discharge (especially if this is yellow or green).
Testing
There is no single test for diagnosing PID. A doctor or nurse will diagnose PID based on consultation and examination. The doctor or nurse will take swabs to help figure out if there is any bacteria present. You may also have an ultrasound scan and blood tests.
Treatment
If caught early enough PID can be treated quickly with a course of antibiotics. The longer PID is left untreated the harder it is to treat and it is more likely to cause damage to a woman’s fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs with the possibility of causing infertility, which means a woman cannot fall pregnant naturally.
