Women's Health in the News
Health Tip: About Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
It affects more than 1 million women each year
(HealthDay News) -- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or other reproductive organ in a woman.
It often occurs as a complication of a sexually transmitted disease, including chlamydia or gonorrhea. If left untreated, PID can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, complications during pregnancy, and even death.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists risk factors for PID as having multiple sex partners, use of an intrauterine device (IUD), and being sexually active at age 25 and under.
Some women may not have symptoms, while others may notice abdominal pain, unusual discharge, fever, irregular menstrual cycles, or pain during urination.
PID is typically treated with an antibiotic. But because an antibiotic won't reverse damage already caused by PID, the CDC recommends seeking medical attention promptly if you have any of these symptoms.
Copyright © 2006 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved.
|
