Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a general term for a bacterial infection
in the female pelvic organs. Specific types of PID include salpingitis
(infection of the fallopian tubes), endometritis (infection of the uterine lining),
and cophoritis (infection of the ovaries).
Most infections are caused by the same organisms that cause sexually transmitted
diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Usually PID bacteria enter the vagina
during sex and ascend into the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Bacteria may also enter the body after an invasive gynecological procedure.
Prompt treatment of PID is important. Infection of the fallopian tubes may lead to
scarring and adhesions (bands of scar tissue) that can obstruct the tubes,
causing infertility. Over one in twelve women are left infertile after a first
episode of PID, one in five are infertile after a second episode, and over 40% are left
sterile after three or more episodes of PID. PID is
the leading cause of infertility in women.
Other problems include chronic recurrances, chronic pain, premature hysterectomy,
and depression.
At least 10 percent of all sexually active teens become infected with PID.
Symptoms of PID include:
persistent cramps
pain during or after sexual intercourse
temperature of 102-104 degrees F
unusual vaginal bleeding or foul smelling discharge
