Pelvic%20inflammatory%20disease Signs and Symptoms
Definition
- Ascent of bacteria from the vagina or cervix resulting in infection of the reproductive organs eg uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries; may be a complication of some STIs
Signs and Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):
- Lower abdominal pain (crampy or dull)
- Starts a few days after the onset of the last menstrual period
- Dyspareunia
- Abnormal vaginal or cervical discharge
- Postcoital or irregular vaginal bleeding
- Dysuria
- Fever
- Nausea & vomiting (N/V)
- Some have minimal symptom or silent PID
Risk Factors
Risk Factors for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Prior episode of PID
- Previous gonorrheal or Chlamydia infection
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Multiple sex partners
- Male sex partner w/ gonorrhea or Chlamydia infection
- Current douching
- Low socioeconomic status
- Adolescent; younger age at 1st sexual intercourse
- Previous instrumentation of the uterus
- Insertion of Intrauterine Device (IUD) w/in preceding 3 wk
- Hysterosalpingography
- Termination of pregnancy