Pelvic Inflammatory Disease FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Almost 1 million women yearly are diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease in the United States. While this disease is common, many women can feel embarrassed to seek treatment because of the nature of its symptoms, like painful intercourse, abdominal pain, and more.
However, there's nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to pelvic inflammatory disease. Dr. Gary B. Sullivan discusses your most asked questions so that you can develop an understanding of this disease, including complications, prevention, and treatment.
What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. Typically, the disease spreads from the vagina to surrounding areas, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. PID can be caused by bacteria from STIs (sexually transmitted infections), but it can sometimes occur from normal bacteria in the vagina. If you’d like to learn more about the basics of pelvic inflammatory disease, check out another blog post from Dr. Gary B. Sullivan.
Who Is at Risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
If you’re a sexually active woman, you’re potentially at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease. PID can occur in women of all ages, but you’re more likely to develop the condition if you’re under 25.
Beyond age and gender, some other common risk factors for PID include:
Unprotected intercourse
STI, most often gonorrhea or chlamydia
Multiple intercourse partners
A partner who’s had intercourse with multiple partners
A previous PID case
Douching regularly
There are a few occurrences of women developing PID after inserting an IUD (intrauterine contraceptive device), but this is rare and is only in the first three weeks after insertion.
How Can I Prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
There are a few steps you can take to prevent pelvic inflammatory disease. As you may have guessed, prevention involves limiting the risk factors of PID. We recommend using condoms during intercourse to prevent STIs, even if you also use other forms of birth control. Similarly, only having intercourse with one partner, who only has intercourse with you, can prevent STIs as well. We recommend having honest, candid conversations with your partner about your expectations and the importance of protection to avoid PID.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease can unfortunately cause long-term effects. The most serious side effects include infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
One in every ten women with PID develops infertility, which can be deeply troubling for many women. Since PID can cause fallopian tube damage, an egg cannot fertilize. Similarly, ectopic pregnancy is also a concern if you have PID. Scarring can cause the egg to move from the uterus to the fallopian tubes, which isn’t a suitable environment for a fetus or mother.
If you have more questions about the long-term effects of PID, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan can answer your questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out online or at (912) 871-2000.
Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Be Cured?
Pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated. However, any scarring caused by the infection cannot be reversed. Antibiotics can typically cure the condition and can be administered orally, intravenously (IV), or by injection.
It’s important to note that some symptoms of PID, like fever, chills, pelvic pain, and nausea, may resolve quickly after beginning antibiotics. Still, you should finish your entire prescription to ensure the infection is eradicated.
Find Treatment from Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
If you’re suffering from any symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease, don’t wait to seek treatment. While symptoms may be difficult to discuss, you can avoid long-term effects from PID the earlier you receive treatment. Dr. Gary B. Sullivan can diagnose, treat, and help you manage PID in Statesboro, GA & surrounding areas.
The Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Experts You Can Trust
Proudly serving Statesboro, GA, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan can help you find the relief you deserve from pelvic pain. We offer numerous treatments for those who have endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and more. If you think you may be experiencing PID, don’t wait to seek treatment! Call us at (912) 871-2000 or contact us online today!