What is pelvic inflammatory disease?

Typically caused by an untreated sexually transmitted infection, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. The condition occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria travel from the vagina to the pelvic organs. Often, women will not experience any symptoms until they try to get pregnant or develop chronic pain later on.

Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease

Some of the most common symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease include the following:

  • Irregular periods
  • Pain during urination
  • Pelvic tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Heavy vaginal discharge, often with an odor
  • Pain or bleeding during sex
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PID causes and prevention

Although pelvic inflammatory disease is painful and unpleasant, the good news is the cause is clear and treatable. Many sexually transmitted bacteria can cause the condition, but most cases involve gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, including:

  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Unprotected sex
  • Vaginal douching
  • History of pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infection

Preventing pelvic inflammatory disease is easy by following proper sexual practices and hygiene. To avoid this condition, make sure to:

  • Practice safe sex using condoms
  • Get tested if you notice any symptoms of sexually transmitted infection
  • Never douche
  • Ask your partners to get tested
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PID and your reproductive health

Pelvic inflammatory disease can pose a risk to reproductive health as one of the major causes of ectopic pregnancy due to the scar tissue that can develop in the fallopian tubes. If you have concerns regarding the ability to get pregnant, Dr. Sonia Bahlani can evaluate your condition and guide you to the best route forward for you. As a leader in her field, your condition can be thoroughly assessed and treated with the most advanced medical care.

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Diagnosing pelvic inflammatory disease

If you are experiencing pelvic pain, tenderness, or any other symptom that may indicate the presence of PID, several tests will be performed, including:

  • A pelvic exam
  • Tests for several STDs
  • A urine, blood, or fluid test from the vagina and cervix
  • Ultrasound
  • Endometrial biopsy
  • Laparoscopy

Treating PID as quickly as possible after it develops is critical to avoid scar tissue growing on the fallopian tubes.

Treating pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is treated with antibiotics when taken as directed. Other treatment considerations include:

  • Rest
  • Eat healthy foods
  • Stay hydrated
  • Do not use tampons or douche
  • Manage pain or discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers
  • Avoid having sex until the condition is entirely resolved
  • Sexual partner(s) should also be treated because if you have sex with the same person, you could develop PID again
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Why choose us?

At Pelvic Pain Doc, you will be under the care of Dr. Sonia Bahlani. She is fellowship-trained in sexual and pelvic health, which many doctors are not, and has established a boutique concierge urology and gynecology practice. This is where she treats mild to severe cases of pelvic inflammatory disease, giving hope and relief to her patients. Finding a doctor who genuinely cares about you, your health, and your future happiness and well-being is rare.

You can expect a positive patient-doctor relationship and a collaborative partnership at Pelvic Pain Doc. Dr. Bahlani works closely with her patients to help them achieve their goals regarding the quality of life they want and deserve. For 5-star care from a thought leader and expert in resolving pelvic pain, connect with Pelvic Pain Doc in NYC and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bahlani.

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