Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - Common STIs

Most common sexually transmitted diseases: pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

You may have noticed that in recent weeks we have used our blog to gather information about the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). As we indicated in these publications, dissemination is essential to, if not eradicate, at least reduce its incidence as much as possible. Along these lines, today we will talk about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)It is an infection most often caused by bacteria and frequently spreads from the vagina to the pelvic organs. The use of antibiotics significantly reduced its prevalence. However, in recent years an increase in infections has been detected, to the point of becoming the most important infection of all those that commonly affect women in the Western world.

What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and how is it spread?

As we said, the EIP is a infection provoked mainly by two bacteria: Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. In addition, these germs are more easily introduced from the vagina or cervix into the uterine cavity due to:

the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs)
or to perform interventions on the uterus, such as curettage, endometrial biopsy, hysterosalpingography or hysteroscopy.

Infected women will be able to receive pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, especially during intercourse. vaginal discharge will increase and will acquire a strong odor and unpleasant. Likewise, they will be perceived abnormal bleeding between cycles or during and after intercourse. Other symptoms associated with PID are fever, chills, and discomfort when urinating.

Complications, diagnosis and treatment

The real risk of PID is not so much the symptoms described above, but its high tendency to reappearMore than 25% of infected women will suffer from this disease again once they are cured. And the after-effects of pelvic inflammatory disease, especially if it recurs, are truly serious. This can lead to ectopic pregnancies or infertility due to inflammation of the fallopian tubes. Its diagnosis must be meticulous, and for this purpose, a [procedure/procedure/etc.] will be performed. medical and sexual history of the patient, as well as a gynecological examination and ultrasound. As well samples will be taken of the vagina and cervix to detect the presence of gonococcus y chlamydia through a microbiological analysis. The study will be completed with a blood and urine tests. If the results are positive, then the relevant treatment will be applied, which will consist of taking antibiotics to eliminate the agents that caused the infection. However, another complication associated with PID is that this first procedure is not always effective, and in many cases, it is necessary to admit the patient and perform a Surgical treatment, especially in cases where large pelvic abscesses arise with encapsulated accumulations of purulent fluid.

Prevention of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other STIs

We reiterate that, when it comes to sexually transmitted infections, information is power. Understanding the consequences, especially the serious ones, of this and other STDs will raise awareness , encourage condom use, and promote the avoidance of promiscuous sex.

In this video, Dr. Duque explains some guidelines for preventing this and other STDs: