Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

What is pelvic inflammatory disease?

• Pelvic inflammatory disease is a progressive infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and/or ovaries.
• Most girls develop PID from Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What are the symptoms of PID?

Symptoms can range from none to severe.

The symptoms include :

• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Large amount of foul smelling or abnormal colored vaginal discharge.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Heavier menses with more pain.
• Intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding in between periods).
• Chills, fever and vomiting.
• Increased tiredness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Backache.
• Painful or more frequent micturation.

What can happen if you get PID?

• It can cause widespread scarring leading to infertility.
• If one gets pregnant, the scarring can lead to an ectopic pregnancy (i.e. a pregnancy with the fetus outside the uterus).
• It can lead to a tubo-ovarian abscess (a collection of pus in the ovaries and Fallopian tubes).

How is PID diagnosed and treated?

• You have to undergo a pelvic examination and have swabs taken.
• A pregnancy test is also done.
• An ultrasound will also be needed to diagnose PID.
• You will be given antibiotics for a few weeks.
• You must complete the whole course of antibiotics or the infection might recur.
• If you have severe symptoms, you might need to be admitted for a few days for intravenous antibiotics.
• Your partner may also need treatment.

How can you prevent PID?

• The best way is to avoid sex

• If you are below 16 years old, having sex is illegal unless you are married.
  • The Malaysian law states that consensual sex with girls below 16 years old will lead to the male being charged with statutory rape.
• If you are sexually active, practice safe sex.
  • Be loyal to one partner. Avoid multiple partners.
  • Use condoms. However condoms are not 100% effective in preventing PID but are able to reduce the risk of transmission.
  • Avoid taking alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgement.