Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment

ByJanis Updated

Diagnosis

Checking the Reproductive Organs

Doctors often start with a pelvic checkup. The provider puts on gloves and gently inserts two fingers into the vagina.

At the same time, the other hand presses down on the lower belly. This helps them feel the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries for pain or swelling.

These signs can signal an infection like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Providers also use swabs to collect samples from the cervix and vagina.

They send these samples to a lab. The lab checks for bacteria or organisms such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea), or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Finding bacteria can confirm a diagnosis of PID.

Other Tools for Pinpointing the Problem

Diagnostic Method What It Helps Find
Pelvic exam Pain, swelling, discharge
Swab for lab analysis STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea
Blood/urine tests Infections, inflammation, or pregnancy
Ultrasound Swelling, abscess, other organ changes
Laparoscopy Direct organ view for hard-to-diagnose PID
Endometrial biopsy Uterus inflammation, infection markers

Sometimes a pelvic check does not give enough information. Blood and urine tests help spot other infections, check white blood cell levels, or rule out pregnancy.

Doctors also check for urinary tract infections since symptoms can be similar. Imaging studies, like ultrasound, help show details of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Ultrasound can find complications like a tubo-ovarian abscess or show swelling in the reproductive organs. For difficult cases, doctors may use laparoscopy.

During laparoscopy, a small tube with a camera goes into the belly. This allows the provider to look directly at the reproductive organs.

Doctors may also use an endometrial biopsy. They remove a tiny piece of tissue from the uterus lining to look for bacteria or signs of chronic pelvic pain.

Managing the Condition

Doctors usually start treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with antibiotics right away. They often use a combination of medications to target different bacteria.

Providers choose oral regimens for mild-to-moderate symptoms. They use intravenous antibiotics for more serious cases or if oral options do not work.

Doctors start treatment before lab results are final, but they may change medications once they know the exact bacteria. Patients should finish all prescribed medicine, even if symptoms improve early.

Partners need to get tested and receive antibiotics if needed to prevent reinfection and further spread of STIs. Patients should avoid sex until treatment is complete and symptoms disappear.

Doctors may recommend hospitalization for those who are pregnant, very ill, not responding to medications, or have a possible abscess. Sometimes, doctors need to drain an abscess, and surgery is rarely needed unless complications develop.

Untreated or severe infections can cause scarring in the reproductive tract. This increases the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy.

Managing Emotions and Finding Support

Dealing with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can affect how someone feels about their health and relationships. Sexually active people, especially women, may feel worried after a diagnosis of an STI.

Sharing concerns with trusted people and talking about pain during sex or other symptoms can help reduce stress.

Ways to manage and seek support:

  • Get Care Quickly: Prompt medical help and follow-up appointments are important to control symptoms and lower the risk of infertility.
  • Partner Support: Both partners should be treated to avoid reinfection. Open conversations about sexual health help, especially when using protection like latex condoms to prevent the spread of HIV and other infections.
  • Info and Preparation: People having trouble getting pregnant can learn about infertility testing and treatment to ease worries and plan next steps.
  • Online and In-Person Support: Many join support groups or speak with counselors if they feel anxious or alone.
  • Prevention Tips: Using condoms, having one sexual partner, and not douching can lower risk.
Strategy Benefit
Early Treatment Reduces complications and reinfection
Condom Use Helps prevent STIs and PID recurrence
Support Groups Offers emotional and practical support

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Steps You Can Take Before Your Appointment

Preparing before meeting with a provider helps you get answers to your concerns.

Here are practical steps you can follow:

  • Ask About Restrictions: When booking your appointment, check if you need to avoid eating, drinking, or any other activities beforehand.
  • List Your Symptoms: Write down all symptoms, even those that may not seem related, like pelvic pain, unusual discharge, or discomfort from an intrauterine device (IUD).
  • Record Your Medical History: Note any history with sexually transmitted infections, intrauterine device (IUD) use, and previous treatments for pelvic inflammatory disease.
  • Make a List of Medicines: Include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, supplements, and vitamins you use.
  • Prepare Your Questions: Some helpful questions might be:
    • What tests will I need?
    • Should my partner also be checked or treated?
    • Can I have sex during treatment, and if not, for how long?
    • How can I prevent pelvic inflammatory disease in the future?
    • Will this affect my fertility?
    • Are there generic medicine choices?
    • Can I be treated at home or do I need hospital care?
    • Will I need a follow-up visit?
Preparation Checklist Details
Symptoms List Pain, discharge, medical device use, other health problems
Medication Record All drugs, supplements, vitamins
Questions for Provider Treatment, sexual health, information sources, follow-up, partner care, prevention
Medical Background Past infections, devices like IUDs, fertility issues

What the Provider May Ask During Your Visit

Knowing what to expect can make the process easier. The provider may ask if you have a new sexual partner or multiple partners. They may ask whether you use condoms regularly.

They may ask when your symptoms began and what they are. The provider may ask if you have pelvic pain and how severe it is.

They may also ask about your experience with an intrauterine device (IUD), including use, issues, or removal.


Related Questions

Responses are AI-generated

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.