pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

symptoms

Several symptoms are associated with PID:

• Excessive bleeding
• Pain
• Cramps
• Fever
  

cause

Older types of intrauterine devices (IUDs) (birth control devices) have been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, fallopian tube scarring, and uterine damage in many of the women who used them. This may be caused by the introduction of bacteria into the uterus when the IUD is inserted.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have also been linked to PID. Chlamydia can do permanent damage if left untreated and can lead to PID.

treatment

Antibiotic therapy is the preferred treatment for PID. Depending upon the extent of the disease, some of the scar tissue (adhesions) may be removed by laparoscopy or laparotomy. If the uterus has been affected, a hysteroscopy may be performed to correct the damage. If the damage is extensive and the uterus cannot be repaired the woman may need a host uterus, also known as a gestational carrier.