Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, also called P-I-D, is a bacterial infection that usually begins in the cervix, and spreads to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other areas in the pelvic region. The disease is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. Less commonly, it may be triggered by childbirth or miscarriage, insertion of an intra-uterine device, abortion, or pelvic surgery. P-I-D can scar the reproductive organs, and causes sterility in about 60 thousand women each year. It also increases the risk of ectopic (eck-TOP-ic) or tubal pregnancy. The symptoms may include a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, sharp, aching, abdominal pain, fever, pain when urinating, nausea, vomiting, and occasional vaginal bleeding. If you have symptoms of P-I-D, see a health care professional right away. A pelvic exam, including lab tests and cultures, may be performed. In some cases, I-V antibiotics may be administered. Women at high risk of P-I-D are those who've had multiple sex partners, sexually transmitted diseases, or previous episodes of P-I-D. A woman's recent sex partners may also require treatment. If you have questions about pelvic inflammatory disease, its treatment, or how to avoid the infection, contact a physician.
