The usual pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) treatment is antibiotics. In addition, your doctor could also prescribe a pain medicine and advise bed rest. Outpatient treatment is normally successful, but in cases where it is not, hospitalization is needed. Hospital treatment will at first involve the administration of intravenous antibiotics, and later the use of oral antibiotics. Surgery is almost never necessary, but, in cases where an abscess is likely to rupture, a doctor will intervene and drain it.
Pelvic inflammatory disease refers to an infection that attacks the reproductive organs of a woman, as it travels from the vagina toward the uterus and can spread further into the fallopian tubes and ovaries if not treated. It is usually caused by bacteria from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Early detection normally leads to eradication, but permanent problems can result from a lack of prompt pelvic inflammatory disease treatment. Receiving quick treatment for an STD can deter the development of PID.
Some signs of this disease may include pain in the lower abdomen, heavy vaginal discharge, and fever. Menstrual bleeding may be irregular and the patient may experience painful intercourse. You should go to the emergency room to receive pelvic inflammatory disease treatment if you are vomiting, fainting, or have severe lower abdominal pain. The presence of a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C) should also necessitate emergency treatment. If your symptoms are mild but lingering, you should make an appointment with your doctor as quickly as you are able.
Complications can arise from a lack of pelvic inflammatory disease treatment. The disease can cause abscesses, which are the aggregation of infected fluids, and scar tissue can occur in the fallopian tubes. This can lead to permanent damage of the reproductive organs, leading to potential ectopic pregnancies, which are pregnancies outside the uterus that have a danger of producing life-threatening bleeding. Other complications are infertility and long-term pelvic pain.
Certain risk factors are associated with PID. Although it can be manifested in sexually active women of any age, it is most typically seen in those under the age of 25. Having multiple sex partners, or having sex with someone who has other partners, will increase the risk. The recent insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) or frequent douching might also play a role. Other risk factors involve a history of STDs or previous episodes of PID.
Preventive measures involve the use of condoms and limiting the number of sex partners. Both you and your partner should be tested for STDs and receive treatment. The hygienic measure of wiping from front to back following urination or a bowel movement is also recommended. This will help prevent colon bacteria from coming in contact with the vagina, which may lead to infection.
