Understanding Pelvic Inflammatory Disease & It’s Causes

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is characterized by anything which may cause inflammation within the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. This means that PID can have a wide range of causes from STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) to post-surgical issues to the IUD (Intrauterine Device). 

PID afflicts nearly 1 million women each year and nearly 10%-15% of these women may become infertile due to the disease. The remaining 80 to 85 percent become more susceptible to ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies occurring outside of the uterus, normally in the fallopian tubes). These pregnancies are not viable and although over half will resolve themselves spontaneously without medication, the other half may become notably dangerous, or even life-threatening if left untreated.

Beginning of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is primarily caused by bacterial infections, but can also begin as viral, fungal or parasitic infections. The infection will generally start in the vagina. Within the vagina, the infection can flourish and multiply. If left untreated, the infection can then spread to other parts of the reproductive system, such as the uterus or, from there, the fallopian tubes and even the ovaries.

This infection presents the greatest threat when it has spread to the fallopian tubes because once the infection begins to create scar tissue within the fallopian tubes it will quickly create blockages due to the narrow openings. These blockages cause infertility in women or lead to serious ectopic pregnancies.

What are Different Causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

STIs- It’s not the only cause, STIs are a large contributor to the development and prevalence of PID today. This may be specifically related to the rise in cases of STIs in general. Both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea typically show no signs or symptoms, it is no mystery why these can develop into PID so easily. So, the first and most efficient means of preventing PID through an STI is simply using protection during sexual intercourse and/or, if you're having unprotected sex, having a regular gynecological checkup. If we can prevent the spread of these diseases by even a factor of 50% then we will certainly see a similar reduction in the number of cases of PID each year, not to mention a sharp decrease in the number of ectopic pregnancies as well.

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Initial research surrounding the IUD indicated that the instance of PID in women using an IUD was much higher than what more recent research has shown. It is believed that there was a lack of control of the groups used in the initial research, meaning the results could have shown much more drastic results than the IUD causes. The more recent research has indicated that the IUD only introduces a risk of PID if an untreated STI such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea is present. In these cases, the IUD would act to accelerate or ensure the onset of PID. For this reason, it is essential that the patient has their gynecologist perform a pelvic exam before the insertion of the IUD. After the first month of being inserted, the IUD will present no further threat.

Postpartum PID- PID occurs in postpartum women in approximately 1% of cases. Once again, the most common cause of this is STIs. Due to the unique changes to the body and hormones, the women are more susceptible to STIs during the 12 months following pregnancy. For this reason, it is even more important to have regular gynecological screenings in the 12 months following your pregnancy. However, that is not the only cause. If you encountered any complications during the pregnancy or delivery, this may also cause PID.

Post-abortion PID- Similar to Postpartum PID, if a pregnancy is terminated or if the woman experiences a miscarriage the body may be more susceptible to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) due to a change in the hormones within the body. However, due to the procedure involved with terminating a pregnancy, there may be an increased risk of infection or an increased risk of injury within the reproductive system which could cause additional scarring.

Conclusion Of The Discussion:

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease may be one of the scariest causes of infertility in women as it strikes 1 million women annually. Some people might say that we can't live our lives in fear, but that's not what I'm recommending. The fact is that PID causes more cases of infertility in women annually than anything else, yet it is entirely preventable. As a woman, you need to take a stand for ourselves and understand that with our actions alone, we can drastically reduce the instances of PID annually simply by reducing the cases of STIs such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea by practicing safe sex.

As a parent, I feel we must talk to our kids about sex and safe sex, and remove the negativity we associate with sex. Then, if we take that same understanding and that same responsibility to us, PID will become a much less devastating cause of infertility in women. In the end, it is our choice that makes a difference.

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Please visit Dr. RK Sharma the best IVF treatment clinic in Delhi for more information on what causes pelvic inflammatory disease and for further diagnosis and treatment of infertility related to this disease.

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