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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

From Treat Yourself Right • 2 July 2009

PID is an inflammation of the pelvic area usually caused by untreated sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea or Chlamydia. Many, if not most, women have PID without knowing it and without noticing any significant symptoms. Untreated PID may become increasingly painful and can cause infertility. An episode of untreated PID may lead to infertility in 10% of women.

PID seems to be more common and more severe amongst HIV positive women. The symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe:

  • Pain or cramps in the lower back and abdomen;
  • Pain during intercourse;
  • Deep pelvic pain;
  • Bleeding between periods;
  • Vaginal discharge;
  • Fever (high temperature);
  • Fatigue.

If you notice any of these symptoms or have any concerns about PID, talk with your doctor. PID must be treated with antibiotics, as early as possible.

You may need to have a scan to see if there are any cysts or abscesses present. If you have complications, you may need to have a laparoscopy – this is a procedure (a type of ‘keyhole surgery’) where a tiny camera is inserted through a very small incision under your navel into your pelvic cavity to view the area. In complex cases you may need to be admitted to hospital to be treated with a combination of intravenous antibiotics.

Treat Yourself Right

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This Resource was first published on 2 July 2009 — more than two years ago.

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