What Causes PID in Females?
Pelvic inflammatory disease is used to describe inflammation of the female reproductive organs. Scar tissue, which consists of fibrous bands between tissues and organs, may develop as a result. A spreading infection in the cervix or vagina that is left untreated is the main factor in most cases.
However, infections from other sources can progress into sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a common cause.
It can occasionally be challenging for doctors to determine which bacteria are to blame for PID because several different types frequently cause it. Typically, these bacteria only affect the cervix, where they are simple to treat with medications. A combination of antibiotics will be recommended to treat a range of germs. Sexually transmissible diseases (STIs): STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, or mycoplasma genitalium, is the leading cause of PID. If the germs are not treated, there is a possibility that they will reach the female reproductive system.
Other Causes: The origin of the infection resulting from PID is frequently unknown.
The normally unharmful bacteria in the vagina can occasionally penetrate the cervix and reach the reproductive organs. These bacteria aren't harmful to the vagina but can infect other body parts.
This is most likely to happen if:
You previously had PID.
The cervix has been damaged as a result of childbirth or a miscarriage.
You need to have a procedure when the cervix is opened.
Risk factors
Several factors, such as age, may impact your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Being under 25 and sexually active
Having several sexual partners
Being in a sexual relationship with a multiple-partner person
Sexual activity without using a condom
Douching frequently, which disturbs the balance of beneficial versus dangerous bacteria in the vagina, may hide symptoms.
Sexually transmitted infections or pelvic inflammatory disease in one's past
Following the implantation of an intrauterine device, there is a slight increase in the risk of PID. This risk is often limited to the first three weeks following installation.
The signs of PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms typically appear near the end of the menstrual cycle or a few days after it. The lower abdomen may experience mild to moderate pain, which is frequently the initial sign for many women. The pain may be more assertive on one side.
Other signs include:
Irregular vaginal bleeding
vaginal discharge, which may occasionally smell unpleasant.
Lower abdominal pain that worsens with the illness may accompany nausea or vomiting, a low-grade fever, and low-grade headaches.
Later, the fever may rise, and the discharge may turn yellow-green and pus-like. While urinating or having sex, some women experience pain.
Even if the infection is severe, symptoms may be mild or nonexistent. Compared to chlamydial infections or infections caused by Mycoplasma genitalium, which may not result in a discharge or any other obvious signs, gonorrhea symptoms tend to be more severe.
Prevention
PID has the potential to develop into a severe illness. However, there are specific strategies to reduce the risk:
Screening people frequently, especially those who have many sex partners.
ensuring that sexual partners undergo STI and infection testing, as doing so raises the risk
Utilizing a cervical cap or condom and engaging in safe sex
Avoiding sexual activity too soon after childbirth, pregnancy loss, or a termination
Sexual activity shouldn't resume until the cervix has fully closed.