Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that impacts the female reproductive organs. When left untreated, it can pose a risk to health, including an increased likelihood of ectopic pregnancy and fertility complications.
Jenny Saft, fertility expert and CEO and co-founder at fertility benefits company Apryl, has given advice on how to spot PID - and what you need to do.
PID occurs when bacteria, usually transmitted through sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea, spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. If PID is not treated, it can have long-term health risks. These include chronic pelvic pain, fertility problems and an increased risk of certain cancers.
While it is not clear how many people are affected by PID, it is estimated that around 220,000 women develop PID each year, with the condition most common amongst women aged between 15 and 24 years old.
PID causes inflammation and infection in the reproductive organs, which can have implications for fertility. The inflammation can result in scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes, which are responsible for transporting eggs from the ovaries to the uterus for fertilisation. If the fallopian tubes are affected by scarring or blockages due to PID, it can impede the egg's journey to the uterus, potentially leading to difficulties in conception.
PID can also have an impact on the health of the uterus and its lining, making it less receptive to a fertilised egg. This can reduce the likelihood of successful implantation and increase the risk of miscarriage.
What are the symptoms of PID?
It is important to be aware of the common symptoms of PID, as they can sometimes be subtle or present similarly to other conditions.
One common symptom is painful sex, characterised by discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse. This sensation is typically felt in the lower abdomen or deep within the pelvis.
PID can also manifest as unusually heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. It is important to pay attention to any alterations in menstrual flow, such as irregular periods or spotting between cycles.
Another symptom to be aware of is abnormal vaginal discharge. This discharge may be an unusual colour, consistency, or odour. Any noticeable changes in discharge patterns should be discussed with your GP, so they can help identify its causes.
What do I do if I think I have PID?
If you suspect that you have PID, seek prompt medical attention. Contacting your GP is a good first step. They can perform a physical examination, inquire about your symptoms and medical history, and conduct tests such as a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis.
If you are prescribed medication to treat PID, it is important to adhere to it and take the full course unless advised otherwise by your doctor. The primary approach for treating PID involves antibiotics that target the specific bacteria causing the infection. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as directed, even if you begin to feel better.
Following the completion of PID treatment, your doctor may advise a follow-up appointment to . ensure the infection has been effectively cleared.
