Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, according to Mayo Clinic. It occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spreads from the vagina to the uterus and the fallopian tubes or ovaries.
Symptoms
There are many different signs of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). WebMD discusses a few:
- Pain in your lower belly and pelvis
- Heavy discharge from your vagina with an unpleasant odor
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
- Fever and chills
- Pain or difficulty when peeing
According to WebMD, PID can cause problems such as struggling to get pregnant and pain that stays with you.
There are also other serious signs that can put someone in danger, such as:
- Severe pain in your lower belly
- Signs of shock, like fainting
- Vomiting
- Fever higher than 101F
Who gets it?
According to Office on Women’s Health from the US Government, PID affects about 5% of women in the United States. Your risk for PID is higher if you:
- Have had an STI
- Have had PID before
- Are 15 to 24 years old, when PID is most common in women
- Have more than one sex partner or have a partner who has multiple sexual partners
Preventative measures
You may not be able to prevent PID, states the Office on Women’s Health since it is not always caused by an STI. Sometimes, normal bacteria in your vagina can travel up to your reproductive organs and cause PID.
But, there are ways in lowering the risk of PID such as:
- Using condoms: Condoms are the best way to prevent STIs when you have sex. Other methods of birth control, like birth control pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms, will not protect you from STIs.
- Get tested: Be sure you and your partner are tested for STIs. Talk to each other about the test results before you have sex.
- Do not abuse alcohol or drugs: Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs increases risky behavior and may put you at risk of sexual assault and possible exposure to STIs.
- Limit your number of sex partners: Your risk of getting STIs goes up with the number of partners you have
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/what-is-pelvic-inflammatory-disease
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pelvic-inflammatory-disease
