Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

According to Mayo Clinic, pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID is a sexually transmitted disease that affects the female reproductive system and nearby organs. The infection affects the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries and can even extend into the woman’s urinary bladder. PID is a not often a primary disease. However, it is a common complication of another sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea or chlamydia that that has gone untreated.

PID is the result of bacteria that has entered the vagina, traveled to the cervix, which is the mouth of the uterus and spread from there into the upper reproductive tract. The disease usually begins two days to three weeks after exposure, but the symptoms can take months to appear.

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Some women with PID do not have symptoms. If they have symptoms they include:
1. Cramps that are felt in the lower abdomen
2. A bad-smelling vaginal discharge
3. Painful intercourse
4. Painful urination
5. Menstrual irregularities, such as bleeding between periods
6. Nausea and vomiting
7. Fever
8. Tenderness in the lower abdomen