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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Symptoms
Pelvic inflammatory disease refers most commonly to a bacterial infection of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are paired structures that connect each ovary to the uterus (womb). The egg is conveyed monthly, via the fallopian tube to the uterus, in the process of ovulation. Bacterial infection of the fallopian tubes results most commonly from bacteria acquired through sexual contact (venereal disease). Two of the most common infecting agents are gonorrhea and chlamydia. Repeated infections may result in scarring of the fallopian tubes and infertility.
Common symptoms include: sudden onset of lower abdominal and pelvic pain (that may coincide with menstruation), a foul smelling vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain that is made worse with sexual intercourse. More severe pelvic infections are associated with fever, chills, and vomiting. The infection may delay the onset of menstruation, making it appear to the patient that she might be pregnant. Untreated gonorrhea infections may cause joint swelling, joint pains, and a (raised and pustular) red rash. Evaluation will include history and physical examination. The evaluation of lower abdominal pain in the female of reproductive age SHOULD ALWAYS include pelvic examination to lessen the possibility of confusing the diagnosis of PID with appendicitis. Vaginal cultures for sexually transmitted diseases are a matter of routine.
Tenderness to palpation upon examination of the pelvic structures can indicate a number of possibilities: ovarian cyst, tubal pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease. A blood pregnancy test and blood counts are necessary in most cases. Pelvic ultrasound has proven to be an excellent tool in the evaluation of a possible ovarian cyst, tubal pregnancy, or fallopian tube abscess (localized collection of pus in the tube secondary to pelvic inflammatory disease). Treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease requires the use of both injectable antibiotics, followed by orally administered antibiotics for 10-14 days. Suspect cases may be treated immediately while questionable cases may warrant close follow-up, pending culture results. Sexual partners must also be treated or recurrence is likely. Hospitalization will be necessary in those patients with fever, vomiting, or concurrent pregnancy. High dose intravenous antibiotics are used in these cases. An OB-GYN specialist is the expert in the treatment of this disease.
Hope this article will provide you information about pelvic inflammatory Disease.
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