PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID; Salpingitis) BASIC INFORMATION DESCRIPTION TREATMENT Infection of the female internal reproductive organs. This is contagious if it is caused by a sexually transmitted organ- GENERAL MEASURES ism. It can involve the fallopian tubes, cervix, uterus, ` Diagnostic tests include laboratory blood studies and cul-ture ovaries, and urinary bladder. It affects sexually active of the vaginal discharge; pelvic ultrasound; and surgical females after puberty. The peak incidence occurs in late diagnostic procedures, such as laparoscopy (a tele-scopic teens and early 20’s. instrument with fiber optic light is used to examine FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS the abdominal cavity) or culdocentesis (passage of a nee-dle Early stages (up to 1 week): through the cervix into the peritoneal cavity to obtain a ` Pain in the lower pelvis on one or both sides, especially fluid sample). during menstrual periods. Menstrual flow may be heavy. ` You may receive treatment as as outpatient if infection is ` Pain with intercourse. mild. You must adhere to treatment and medication sched-ule. ` Bad-smelling vaginal discharge. Close medical follow-up care is necessary. ` General ill feeling. ` Use heat to relieve pain, such as warm baths. This may ` Low fever. reduce the bad odor of the vaginal discharge, as well as ` Frequent, painful urination. relax muscles and relieve discomfort. Sit in a tub of warm Later symptoms (1 to 3 weeks later): water for 10 to 15 minutes as often as needed. ` Severe pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen. ` Use sanitary pads to absorb discharge or menstrual flow. ` High fever. ` Don’t douche during treatment. ` Increased bad-smelling vaginal discharge. ` Hospitalization may be required for severe illness, further diagnostic studies, suspected abscess or appendicitis, failure to CAUSES comply or respond to outpatient therapy, or pregnancy. ` Bacterial infection (chlamydial, gonorrheal or mycoplas-mal) ` Surgery to drain a pelvic abscess (sometimes). or a viral infection. This may be transmitted by an ` Hysterectomy may be recommended for older patients infected sexual partner. who desire no more children. ` Childbirth. ` Psychotherapy or counseling, if infertility occurs. ` Abortion. ` Pelvic surgery. MEDICATIONS ` Intravenous or intramuscular antibiotics to fight infection. RISK INCREASES WITH ` Early or mild PID may be treated with oral antibiotics. ` Multiple sexual partners. ` Pain relievers. ` Use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD). ` Previous history of PID or cervicitis. ACTIVITY Avoid sexual intercourse until you are well. Rest in bed PREVENTIVE MEASURES until any fever subsides. Sit and lie in different positions ` Use rubber condoms, spermicidal creams or sponges to until you find one that is comfortable for you. Allow several help prevent sexually transmitted infections. weeks for recovery. ` Oral contraceptives appear to decrease the risk. ` Seek routine medical check-ups for sexually transmitted DIET diseases if you have multiple sexual partners. No special diet. ` Have your sexual partner evaluated and treated if neces- NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF sary. Don’t resume sexual activity with your partner until ` You or a family member has symptoms of pelvic inflam- his/her tests show no infection, or they have been treated. matory disease. EXPECTED OUTCOMES ` Symptoms recur after treatment. Usually curable with early treatment and avoidance of fur-ther ` New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in infection. The illness lasts from 1 to 6 weeks, depend-ing on its treatment may produce side effects. severity. Poorer prognosis if treated late and unsafe lifestyle continues. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS Important Phone Numbers: USI Student Health Center 465-1250 ` Pelvic abscess and rupture. This can be life-threatening. Monday - Friday 8a.m.- 4:30p.m. ` Adhesions (bands of scar tissue) inside the pelvis. USI Wellness Center 464-1807 ` Infertility. Deaconess Hospital Emergency Dept. 426-3405 ` Ectopic pregnancy. ` Recurrence. Adapted from Instructions for Patients, Sixth Edition, H. Winter Griffith, M.D., W.B Saunders Company. .