For most part, experiencing pelvic pain is common and normal, especially amongst women with their monthly menstrual cycle. However, there can be several possible reasons behind the pain in one’s pelvic area. Oftentimes, it can just be a result of menstrual cramping or painful ovulation for women, with the pain going away as the menstrual cycle comes to an end.
However, in some cases, pelvic pain may also be a cause of a medical emergency. If you are a woman who is experiencing a persistent mild to severe pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis, you might have a medical condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This disease can result in serious problems, such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
To know more about the harmful effects of PID, let us share some essential pieces of information you should know about the disease and why it needs to be diagnosed and treated early.
What is PID?
PID is basically an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. It is usually caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as chlamydia infection and gonorrhoea. Therefore, women who are sexually active are more at risk of developing this disease compared to those who do not engage in sexual activities.
Aside from STDs, PID can also develop after certain medical procedures, such as intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), hysterosalpingogram (HSG), and termination of pregnancy. Hence, the best ways to avoid having PID are to practice safe sex, abstain from being sexually active, and take precautions when undergoing medical procedures.
What are the symptoms of PID?
The most common symptom of PID is pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis. However, such pain can be easily mistaken with other less serious medical conditions. In many cases, PID only brings mild symptoms and even none at all. Therefore, it can be difficult to detect and diagnose PID early on.
Nonetheless, if you start experiencing the other common symptoms of PID, you should see a doctor right away to undergo a medical examination. These additional symptoms include the following:
- Fever and chills
- Nausea
- An unusual heavy discharge with a bad odour from your vagina
- Increased bleeding during your menstrual period
- Pain and bleeding during sex
- Burning sensation when you urinate
In some instances, PID can also bring more intense symptoms that indicate a serious medical emergency. Get prompt medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Extreme pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis
- Fever higher than 37.8 degrees Celsius
- Persistent vomiting
- Signs of shock, such as fainting
What happens if PID is left undiagnosed and untreated?
PID should be diagnosed and treated early with antibiotics and medical care. Otherwise, several serious complications may arise. Some of the most common complications of PID are the following:
- Scar tissue formation both inside and outside the fallopian tube can lead to tubal blockage
- Pelvic abscesses
- Ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the womb
- Infertility or the inability to get pregnant
- Chronic abdominal and pelvic pain
PID is usually diagnosed through a pelvic examination where the doctor will look for signs of tenderness in your uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. They may also check for signs of any unusual fluid in your vagina or cervix or ask you about your symptoms and sexual history. Since PID is typically caused by STDs, undergoing regular STD tests in Singapore is also a great way to prevent or detect PID early on.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to detect PID promptly since its most common symptom, pelvic pain, can also be caused by a number of less serious medical conditions. For this reason, it is important for you to always be alert and aware of everything that goes on with your body. Once you start noticing the other signs of PID, err on the side of safety and consult a medical professional right away.
One of the most effective ways to avoid developing PID is to protect yourself against STDs through safe sex practices and regular checkups in a reputable STD clinic in Singapore. At Elyon Clinic, we provide reliable and confidential sexual health checkups and tests for our patients who wish to maintain good overall health. If you are looking to arrange a health screening, contact us at 6802 7208 to schedule an appointment immediately.
