What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, which includes the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It usually begins in the lower genital tract before spreading to the other reproductive organs.
It is usually caused by bacteria from sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. These bacteria are usually spread through unprotected sex.
Your risk of PID increases if you:
- Are younger than 25 years old, and sexually active
- Have multiple sexual partners
- Have unprotected sex
- Douche your vagina regularly
- Have a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infections
Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Common symptoms include:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may appear yellow, green, white or brown in colour, and can be sticky or foul smelling.
- Bleeding after sex
- Abnormal periods
- Pain during sex
It is important to seek medical treatment, as it can lead to complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain.
Make an appointment at a women's clinic near you if you suspect you have PID.
Diagnosing and Treating Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Gynaecologists at Raffles Women's Centre will evaluate your symptoms by performing a physical examination, and additional tests such as a laparoscopy or an ultrasound to confirm the symptoms and identify potential complications.
Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics, which will be prescribed based on the bacteria causing the infection. It is important to complete your course of antibiotics.
We will also schedule follow-ups with you to ensure the treatment is working. If the symptoms do not clear up within several days, or complications develop, you may require hospitalisation and / or surgery.
Your sexual partner may also be required to be screened and treated as well, even if they do not show any symptoms.
Make an Appointment
Make an appointment online or contact a women's clinic near you to consult a gynaecologist. To make an appointment, select "Specialist Appointment". Under Specialist Appointment Details, select "Obstetrics & Gynaecology".
Make an enquiry. We will get back to you within 2 working days. You can reach us at 6311 1230.