PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

SYMPTOMS

Here are some common symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease.

• Frequent and painful urination
• Uncommon vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell
• Uncommon bleeding in the uterus during the menstrual period or during sex
• Mild to severe pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen
• Pain during sex
• Fever

DIAGNOSIS

In order to diagnose pelvic inflammatory disease, a doctor may refer to a combination of findings since there is no accurate test to detect it.

• Medical History.  A physician will ask you some questions, such as your birth control method, your sexual activities, and your history of having an infection from sexual intercourse.

• Signs and Symptoms. If you experience some signs and symptoms, may it be mild or severe, inform your physician regarding it. 

• Pelvic examination. During the examination, your physician will look over your pelvic region for the inflammation. Your physician will also get fluid samples from your cervix and vagina using cotton swabs. These fluid samples will undergo another examination in order to detect whether you have any infectious disease transmitted sexually such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

• Urine and blood examination. This is a useful examination for HIV, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, or other signs of infections. It is also used to measure white blood cell counts.

• Ultrasound. It is a test that uses sound waves that generate images for your reproductive organs.

Other procedures such as laparoscopy and endometrial biopsy are suggested by a physician if the diagnosis remains unclear.

TREATMENT

• Antibiotics. Your physician will prescribe a mixture of antibiotics right away. Upon handling your laboratory test results, your physician will change your prescription based on what you need. After three days of medicine intake, you must visit your physician for the progress of the medication. Also, make sure to take all your medicine based on the instructions given by your physician.

• Treatment for your partner. Your partner in life should undergo tests and treatments to avoid reinfection, especially since the affected partner has no observable symptoms.
• Temporary abstinence. Avoid intercourse until medication and treatment are completed.