Pelvic inflammatory disease treatment at Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels
Pelvic inflammatory disease is inflammation of the female reproductive tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Pelvic inflammatory disease is usually caused by the sexually transmitted diseases chlamydia and gonorrhea. Sexually transmitted bacteria spread from the vagina to the uterus and upper genital tract. If you’ve had pelvic inflammatory disease, you are at greater risk for infertility.
Causes of pelvic inflammatory disease – PID
The most common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease is unsafe sexual practice. Unprotected sex with one or more partners can increase the risk of PID. The bacteria that cause pelvic inflammatory disease can also enter the reproductive tract from IUD insertion, giving birth, miscarriage or endometrial biopsy.
Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease
Symptoms of PID can include:
- Pain the lower abdomen and pelvis
- Low back pain
- Heavy vaginal discharge and odor
- Irregular bleeding during periods
- Difficulty with urination
- Painful intercourse
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or vomiting
Some women show no symptoms. If you have severe symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease
Prescribed antibiotics are the most common treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease. Pain medication may also be prescribed. To avoid a reinfection of a sexually transmitted disease, sexual partners should also be examined and treated. If pelvic inflammatory disease does not respond to a course of antibiotics, hospitalization may be necessary for more intense antibiotic treatment.
Reducing your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
To reduce your risk of PID, practice safe sex, including condom use and limiting your number of partners. Know your partners’ sexual history. It is important to be tested for sexually transmitted infections because early diagnosis and treatment helps to prevent pelvic inflammatory disease. Ask your partner to be tested. Do not douche because this affects the vaginal bacteria. Lastly, practice good hygiene habits.
Dr. Susan Hudson can diagnose and treat pelvic inflammatory disease and other conditions that cause infertility.
Contact Texas Fertility Center of New Braunfels today, and let us help you get closer to achieving your dreams of having a family.