Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Treatment in India

Types of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is normally classified into three categories depending on severity and duration of the disease.

Acute PID:

This type develops suddenly and usually causes more noticeable symptoms. Many women experience pelvic pain, fever, unusual discharge or discomfort during daily activities.

Chronic PID:

It is a long-standing form of infection where inflammation continues over time. The symptoms are often less severe, but pelvic pain or heaviness may keep coming back.

Subclinical PID:

This type shows very mild to no obvious symptoms. However, even if the symptoms are not clear, the infection can affect internal organs.

What Causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ?

PID develops when bacteria enter the reproductive tract and spread to the upper pelvic organs. Several factors can increase the risk of this infection.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs):

Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea are among the leading reasons behind PID. Since these infections often remain unnoticed in the early stages, the bacteria may spread upward into the uterus or fallopian tubes before a woman even realises there is a problem.

Unprotected sexual intercourse:

Having sex without protection can make it easier for bacteria to enter the reproductive tract. The chances may increase further when there are multiple sexual partners or when a partner has an untreated infection.

Previous history of PID:

Women who have experienced PID earlier may face a higher risk of getting it again. Sometimes the earlier infection can leave behind inflammation or scarring, which may make the reproductive organs more sensitive to future infections.

Childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion:

After delivery,miscarriage, or abortion, the cervix may stay slightly open for a short time. During this period, bacteria can enter more easily if proper hygiene and post-procedure care are not followed carefully.

Intrauterine device (IUD) insertion:

The overall risk is low, but a small number of women may develop an infection after an IUD is inserted. This is more likely when an existing vaginal or cervical infection is already present but has not been diagnosed yet.

Vaginal douching:

Douching can disturb the natural bacterial balance inside the vagina. Instead of cleaning the area, it may actually push harmful bacteria higher into the reproductive tract and increase the risk of infection.

Ignoring existing infections:

Symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic discomfort, or burning during urination are sometimes ignored or self-treated at home. When infections are left untreated for too long, the bacteria may spread deeper into the reproductive system and lead to PID.

How is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis depends on the type and severity of the condition. Your doctor may ask for any of the following assessments to understand your case. 

• Pelvic examination: This may be suggested to check for tenderness in the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Abnormal discharge may also be examined.
• Vaginal and cervical swab tests: Swab samples are taken to identify infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
• Blood and urine tests: Blood tests may show signs of infection or inflammation. Urine tests help rule out urinary tract infections and pregnancy-related conditions.
• Ultrasound scan: A pelvic ultrasound may help detect swollen fallopian tubes, abscess formation, or fluid collection in the pelvis.
• Laparoscopy: This may be advised in complicated cases. This minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to directly view the reproductive organs using a small camera.

How to Prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

It may not always be possible to prevent PID, but a few simple precautions can help lower the risk.

• Practice safe sex. Use a condom during intercourse as it can help reduce the risk of spreading infection.
• Regular screening helps in the early detection of infection before they spread to the pelvic organs. 
• Avoid multiple sexual partners as this may increase the chances of exposure to sexually transmitted infections.
• Medicines should be taken exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms improve within a few days.
• Avoid vaginal douching as it can disturb the natural bacterial balance in the vagina and increase infection risk.
• Treat both partners if needed.In some cases, doctors may advise treatment for both partners to prevent the infection from coming back.