What are the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
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Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a significant health concern for women, characterized by an infection and inflammation of the upper female genital tract. Understanding the symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications.
Common Symptoms of PID
Lower Abdominal Pain
Lower abdominal pain is the most frequently reported symptom of PID, affecting a majority of patients1 4 10. This pain can range from mild to severe and is often a primary reason for seeking medical attention.
Vaginal Discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge is another prevalent symptom, often described as unusual in color or odor. This symptom is reported by a significant number of women with PID1 2 3.
Dysmenorrhea and Menstrual Irregularities
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and other menstrual disturbances, such as menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) and metrorrhagia (bleeding between periods), are commonly associated with PID2 3 4.
Dyspareunia
Deep dyspareunia, or pain during sexual intercourse, is frequently reported by women suffering from PID. This symptom can significantly impact the quality of life and sexual health4 6.
Urinary Symptoms
Urinary symptoms, including increased frequency and urgency, are also noted in many cases of PID. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for urinary tract infections1 2 3.
Fever and Malaise
Although not always present, fever and general malaise are symptoms that can accompany PID, indicating a more severe infection1 4.
Cervical Motion Tenderness
Cervical motion tenderness, identified during a pelvic exam, is a specific clinical sign of PID. This tenderness is often accompanied by adnexal tenderness (pain in the area of the ovaries and fallopian tubes)4 6.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is a long-term consequence of untreated or recurrent PID. This pain can persist for months or even years, significantly affecting daily activities and overall well-being1 2 4.
Less Common Symptoms
Pelvic Heaviness
A sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area is sometimes reported by women with PID. This symptom can be subtle but is indicative of underlying inflammation2 3.
Smelly Urine
Some women with PID report having foul-smelling urine, which can be a sign of infection spreading to the urinary tract2 3.
Conclusion
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease presents with a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, and menstrual irregularities are among the most common symptoms. Early recognition and treatment of these symptoms are essential to prevent long-term complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for PID, especially in women presenting with these symptoms, to ensure timely and effective management.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pelvic inflammatory disease.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by sexually transmitted microorganisms, and treatment varies based on severity and infection type.
Rigorous JournalHow prevalent are symptoms and risk factors of pelvic inflammatory disease in a sexually conservative population
In Jordan, women with higher parity, contraceptives, and invasive medical procedures are at higher risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, suggesting it should not be ruled out in a sexually conservative population.
Rigorous JournalHow prevalent are symptoms and risk factors of pelvic inflammatory disease in a sexually conservative population
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is prevalent in Jordanian women with higher parity, contraceptive use, and invasive medical procedures, and should not be ruled out when symptoms are compatible with the diagnosis.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalPelvic inflammatory disease--an evidence-based approach to diagnosis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complex, multifactorial, and potentially life-threatening condition affecting the upper female genital tract and related structures.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Acute and subacute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are caused by various pathogens, while chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is linked to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Actinomyces species.
Highly CitedPelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common sexually transmitted infection in women, with complications including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
Case ReportPelvic Inflammatory Disease: updates from diagnosis to treatment
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an underreported disease affecting young women, with STIs being the main cause, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like infertility.
Systematic ReviewPelvic Inflammatory Disease Due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis: Immune Evasion Mechanisms and Pathogenic Disease Pathways.
A combined vaccine for prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease and infections due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis shows potential due to similarities in host immune mechanisms.
Effectiveness of inpatient and outpatient treatment strategies for women with pelvic inflammatory disease: results from the Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Evaluation and Clinical Health (PEACH) Randomized Trial.
Inpatient and outpatient treatment for mild-to-moderate pelvic inflammatory disease show no difference in reproductive outcomes.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedCharacteristics Of Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease In Surgically Treated Females Over Ten years - A Single-Center Study
Severe acute pelvic inflammation requires surgical treatment in women over 35 years old, with longer hospital stays associated with more symptoms, higher CRP, and higher temperature values on admission.
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