Pelvic inflammatory disease

PID is the name given to inflammation within the pelvis. It is usually caused by an infection spreading from the cervix up into the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvic area/tissues. If severe the infection can result in an abscess forming (pus collection) within the pelvis – also known as a tubo-ovarian abscess.

Some of the signs and symptoms you may experience are:

• Increase in vaginal discharge
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Pain or bleeding post sexual intercourse
• Vaginal bleeding between periods.

In one of four cases, the cause of PID is due to untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

A bacterial infection that spreads from elsewhere in the abdomen e.g. acute appendicitis can cause PID.

Occasionally after a surgical abortion or miscarriage (or other surgery where an instrument is passed into the womb) people can develop PID.

Rarely after fitting a intrauterine device (IUD or coil) people can develop PID – but the risk is greatly reduced by testing and treating for any infection or STI before the device is deemed suitable to be inserted.

PID is most frequent in young sexually active women. Those under 25 years are most at risk as the cervix is immature and more likely to be infected.

Current estimates suggest that 10% of women with untreated Chlamydia infection may develop PID within a year.

It is estimated to account for 1:60 GP visits by females who are under 45 years. Rates are increasing reflecting the increased incidence of STIs.

PID is usually diagnosed by carrying out some routine tests and observations – these are all taken into account when a full medical, surgical and sexual health history has taken place by the clinician as part of your assessment.

Expect the following  tests/procedures:

• Swab tests:the clinician will take some vaginal swabs by using a speculum (this opens your vagina). Swabs may be taken from the vagina and also the cervix
• Urine test/pregnancy test: to check your urine for any infection and to determine your pregnancy status. Ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy growing outside of the womb) can cause similar symptoms to PID so this needs to be ruled out
• Blood tests: a blood test may be taken to look at the levels of infection in your blood using the white cell count
• Ultrasound Scan: this is usually a transvaginal scan (where the probe is inserted into your vagina) to look more closely at the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Sometimes it can be possible to detect inflamed fallopian tubes or, in very severe cases, the presence of an abscess.

PID is treated with a mixture of antibiotics to cover the most likely infections and the course is for 14 days (2 weeks) with more than a 95% cure rate.

You should start taking the antibiotic tablets as soon as they are prescribed and issued to you, this is more than likely to be before you get your test results back – including the swab results. It is important you start taking the antibiotics at this point because any delay could increase the risk of long-term health problems.

It is very important to complete your course of antibiotic tablets, even if you are feeling better. Most women who complete their course of antibiotics have no long-term health or fertility problems.

You may also be given medication for pain relief alongside the antibiotics and the hospital staff will stress the importance of having no sexual contact until the course has been completed for a full effective treatment.

A clinician will carry out a full assessment and will determine whether or not you need hospital treatment. This may be due to:

• Unclear diagnosis
• You are very unwell
•  An abscess is suspected
• You are pregnant
• You are not feeling better within a few days of starting the antibiotics
• You are unable to tolerate the antibiotics by mouth.

When you are in hospital, the antibiotics may be given intravenously (directly into the blood-stream through a drip). This treatment is usually continued for 24-48 hours. After that, you will be given a course of antibiotic tablets to take home.