Understanding pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It typically occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, spread from the vagina.

If left untreated, PID can lead to serious complications, including scarring of the reproductive organs, chronic pelvic pain, abscess formation, and infertility. At Dr. Kumar’s Hospital, one of the leading fertility clinics and treatment centres in Chromepet, our team of specialists ensures early diagnosis and comprehensive care to protect reproductive health.

Common signs and symptoms

PID can sometimes be difficult to detect, as symptoms may be mild or even absent. When present, the signs can include:

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
  
• Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
  
• Pain during intercourse
  
• Fever and chills
  
• Painful urination
  
  

Even mild symptoms should prompt medical evaluation to prevent long-term reproductive damage. Women seeking guidance can consult the best gynecologist in Chromepet or best lady gynaecologist in Chromepet, Chennai for early detection and treatment.

Causes and how infection spreads

Most cases of PID are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea. However, bacteria can also enter the reproductive tract through:

• Childbirth
  
• Miscarriage or abortion
  
• Medical procedures involving the uterus
  
  

In rare cases, insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) can trigger PID, especially within the first three weeks after placement. Early intervention by the best fertility specialist in Chromepet can prevent the infection from spreading and protect fertility.

Risk factors to watch out for

Certain factors increase a woman’s risk of developing PID:

• Age under 25 and sexually active
  
• Multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex
  
• Douching, which disrupts healthy vaginal bacteria
  
• A partner with multiple sexual contacts
  
• History of PID or other STIs
  
• Recent IUD insertion
  
  

Being aware of these risk factors and consulting a fertility centre in Chromepet regularly can help in early detection and management.

Serious complications of untreated PID

If left untreated, PID can result in severe reproductive health issues:

• Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus
  
• Infertility, due to scarring in the fallopian tubes
  
• Chronic pelvic pain that can persist for years
  
• Tubo-ovarian abscesses, pockets of pus that may lead to life-threatening infections
  
  

Repeated infections increase the likelihood of scarring and long-term fertility problems. Women experiencing recurrent pelvic pain or other symptoms should seek care from the best gynecologist in Chromepet to prevent irreversible complications.

Preventing pelvic inflammatory disease

Prevention is key to protecting reproductive health. Some steps to reduce the risk of PID include:

• Practicing safe sex with consistent condom use
  
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
  
• Regular STI screenings for both partners
  
• Avoiding douching, which can promote infection
  
• Ensuring that both partners are treated if an STI is diagnosed
  
  

At Dr. Kumar’s Hospital, our team of specialists at the fertility clinic and treatment centre in Chromepet provides preventive guidance, early diagnosis, and effective treatment to maintain reproductive health and fertility.