Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, commonly called PID, is an infection of the female reproductive organs(uterus,fallopian tubules ovaries &cervix). PID is one of the most serious complications of a sexually transmitted disease in women: It can lead to irreversible damage to the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other parts of the female reproductive system, and is the primary preventable cause of infertility in women.

Causes

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when bacteria move from the vagina or cervix into the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix
Most cases of PID are due to the bacteria that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea. These are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most common way a woman develops PID is by having unprotected sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection.

However, bacteria may also enter the body during some surgical or office procedures, such as:

 	Childbirth
 	Endometrial biopsy
 	Insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD)
 	Miscarriage
 	Therapeutic or elective abortion

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may include:

 	Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis
 	Heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
 	Irregular menstrual bleeding
 	Pain during intercourse
 	Low back pain
 	Fever, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting
 	Painful or difficult urination

PID may cause only minor signs and symptoms or none at all. Asymptomatic PID is especially common when the infection is due to chlamydia.

Other symptoms that may occur with PID:

 	Bleeding after intercourse
 	Chills
 	Fatigue
 	Frequent or painful urination
 	Increased menstrual cramping
 	Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
 	Lack of appetite
 	Nausea, with or without vomiting
 	No menstruation
 	Painful sexual intercourse

Diagnosis

 	Pelvic ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create images of your reproductive organs.
 	Endometrial biopsy. During this procedure, a small piece of your uterine lining (endometrium) is removed and tested.
 	Laparoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor inserts a thin, lighted instrument through a small incision in your abdomen to view your pelvic organs.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis Of It!

Pelvic pain is generally referred to as the pain in the lower abdominal region. Pelvic pain might be acute, sudden, or chronic, recurrent, cyclical in nature. It may present as central or lateralized pain and might spread to the thighs and buttocks. Pelvic pain might be an indication that something is wrong with the internal reproductive organs located in the pelvic region such as ovaries, fallopian tube, uterus and vagina in which case occurrence of pain may be related to particular time in menstrual cycle.

Pelvic pain can be indicative of a pelvic infection or related to the pelvic bones/spine problems.

Also it may indicate that there is something wrong with the digestive system or urinary system.

Causes-

The causes are as follows:

Pelvic pain occurs commonly in disorders of the internal reproductive organs such as ovarian cysts or pelvic inflammatory disease (where in sexually transmitted bacteria spread through the reproductive organs and cause infection) or pain during ovulation.

Pelvic pain might also occur due to endometriosis (a form of disorder where the endometrial tissues that are located inside the uterus tend to grow outside the uterus resulting in severe pain), adenomyosis (a disorder wherein the endometrial tissues which line the wall of the uterus tend to grow within the uterus), , pelvic adhesions or ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg gets inserted somewhere else other than the main uterine cavity),

Pelvic pain can occur due to bladder disorders, kidney stones, infection in the urinary tract, constipation, flatulence,inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic hernia.

It can also be a symptom in some cancers such as ovarian cancer, colonic cancer, advanced ovarian , endometrial and cervical cancer.

The following symptoms might occur along with pelvic pain:

Sustained pain in the hips and the groin

Sudden fever

Severe pain while urinating , passing stools or during sexual intercourse (dysparuenia)

Vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge .

Blood in stool

Severe menstrual pain ( dysmenorrhoea)

Repeated instances of constipation or diarrhoea

Increase In pain with stress and physical movements

Investigations-

The Gynaecologist will do physical examination including bimanual internal examination. Also, complete blood count, urine for microscopy, vaginal swabs if discharge, stool examination. Ultrasound examination of the pelvis is an important investigation.

Treatment-

If the pain is gynaecological and depending on the cause doctors might suggest different therapies. In cases where pain is due to an ovarian cyst or endometriosis, doctors may prescribe birth-control pills. In cases of suspected pelvic infection, antibiotics are prescribed. Also, laparoscopic surgery might be advised in cases of acute pain due to cyst, endometriosis, or pelvic adhesions: for confirmation of diagnosis and excision or removal of cysts and endometriotic implants and division of adhesions respectively. In some cases of chronic pain, the gynaecologist may manage the case with inputs from gastroenterologist and pain consultant.

Causes and Symptoms of Pelvic Pain

Most women get accustomed to and know the pattern of their menstrual cramps. So, when something out of this pattern happens, they know it is not normal. There are various reasons for pelvic pains not associated with menses. The following are some common causes and it is always advisable to seek medical help, which will help in right diagnosis, early intervention and reduced complications.

1. Ectopic pregnancy: If a fertilized egg has planted itself outside of the uterus or the womb, it is referred to as ectopic pregnancy. The fallopian tube is the most common place for ectopic pregnancies. There is associated pelvic pain, which is unilateral, sharp, and gradually worsens. There would also be associated bleeding which is darker than the regular bleeding. This again should be confirmed on an ultrasound and then the ectopic pregnancy removed.

2. Endometriosis: The inner thick layer of the uterus could be infected leading to severe pelvic pain, especially in women who are in their 30s, who are not able to conceive. This is often ignored, considering it as normal and it continues to progress and could even result in infertility.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia travel up from the genital tract and reach the uterus. Infection along the entire reproductive tract can lead to severe pain. In most cases, if identified early, a course of antibiotics is all that is required to control this infection. Left untreated, it can even cause infertility.

4. Ovarian cysts: Another common cause of pelvic pain, they are quite often asymptomatic, except for occasional pelvic pain. They also disappear with no medical intervention. Sometimes, however, it may get infected or rupture and can cause severe pain. This can is an indication for medical intervention. Ultrasound may be required for diagnosis and treatment may include surgical removal.

5. Uterine fibroids: The fibroids are noncancerous growths, which can grow to a considerable size and fall short of blood supply. This may cause them to burst, which can be very painful.

6. Miscarriage: Most miscarriages occur before 13 weeks of pregnancy and the usual accompanying symptoms of bleeding are severe pelvic cramps. If you are pregnant and notice bleeding with pelvic pain, it is advisable to immediately visit a doctor. Diagnosis may require an ultrasound to confirm the miscarriage. If medications are not sufficient to remove the remnants, then a dilation and curettage may be required.

7. Non-gynecological causes: Appendicitis, urinary tract infections, hernia, lower spinal problems, irritable bowel syndrome can also cause pelvic pain. The cause should be identified and managed accordingly.

Unfortunately, most women continue to experience and suffer with chronic pelvic pain without a cause identified. A thorough internal examination can help identify the problem and treat the issue.

How to Deal with Pelvic Pain other than Menstrual Cramps

Pelvic or abdominal pain is a pain that occurs below a woman's belly button. The pain can usually occur due to their periods or menstruation. Pelvic pain can be acute or chronic and varies from woman to woman. Acute means that you are having this pain for the first time. Chronic means that pain has been a problem for a long time may be more than six months. Pelvic pain is more common in women than in men.

Causes of Chronic Female Pelvic Pain:
The commonly known causes of pelvic pain are a urinary disorder, such as bladder or kidney problems, a bowel problem or a problem with the reproductive system which includes the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Scar tissue in the pelvic area after an infection or surgery can also lead to such pain. At times physical or sexual abuse is also attributed to such a pain.

How to diagnose chronic female pelvic pain:
You should always see a doctor if you are not sure of what is causing the pain. The doctor will ask questions regarding your periods, urine and bowel movements and about general symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting.

Next, the doctor will examine your abdomen and may examine you internally if necessary. The doctor may ask you to have a urine test done which can be tested for infection. If you have symptoms of vaginal discharge or other related symptoms the doctor may take some vaginal swabs. A pregnancy test may be advised. The doctor may ask you to undergo a routine ultrasound scan to diagnose problems such as ovarian cysts.
If the first tests don't find a cause, you may have other tests that show pictures of the organs in your belly. These may include Transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, CT scan of the pelvis.
You may also have to undergo a minor surgery called laparoscopy which is basically a surgical diagnostic procedure which is used to examine the organs inside the abdomen.

Treatment:
You will be treated for the particular problem that causes pelvic pain. Some common treatments include:

Prescribing birth control pills or hormone treatment for problems related to your periods
You might have to undergo a surgery to remove a growth, cyst, or tumor
Medicine to treat the problem, such as an antibiotic for infection or medicine for irritable bowel syndrome
You can try some home remedies as well-
Try nonprescription medicine, such as ibuprofen
Apply heat on the lower abdomen or the area where you feel the pain
Lie down and elevate your legs by placing a pillow under your knees to reduce the back pain
You can go in for some relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga and some breathing exercises as well.

How To Cure Pain In Pelvic & Abdominal Area?

Are you suffering from chronic pelvic pain? Well, then it is time to consult your doctor. Chronic pelvic pain can be the indication or symptom for other serious disorders. It is often difficult to figure out the exact cause of the pain. Chronic pelvic pain refers to the persistent pain in the pelvic region that has been lasting for over six months. Your doctor needs to carefully examine your symptoms to know the source of the pain.

Here are some of the causes that lead to chronic pelvic pain:

Endometriosis: In this disease, cells that form the lining of the uterus grow abnormally. These cells grow on organs like the ovaries, urinary bladder or rectum. Symptoms that can be accompanied with pelvic pain in Endometriosis.

Pelvic pain or cramps before or during your period
Pain during or post sex
Pain at the time you ovulate
Pain during bowel movements
Rectal bleeding during period
Pain during urination
Lower back pain
Infertility
Spotting in between periods
Bloating
Adenomyosis: This disease is similar to endometriosis. Cells lining the uterus tend to invade the uterus and muscle tissues of the uterine wall. In many cases, women with adenomyosis are devoid of any symptoms. Some of the common symptoms are:

Pain during period
Pressure on bladder or rectum
Massive periods
Long periods
Interstitial Cystitis: Women suffering from interstitial cystitis have inflammation of the urinary bladder. The inflammation is due to any infection. This affects women as a result of their aging. Symptoms:

Need to urinate very often
Discomfort during urination
Pain at the time of sex
Urinary Tract Infection
Bacteria cause urinary tract infections. This, in turn, leads to pelvic pain. Infections can affect any part of the urinary tract. It can also affect the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections are common in women mainly. Symptoms:

Pressure in lower pelvis
Pain or a burning sensation during urination
Needing to urinate frequently
Cloudy urine
Blood in urine
When to visit a doctor?
It is difficult to know and assess the right time to visit the doctor. But the pain may be very irritating. It can also lead to fatal and chronic disorders. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor if the pain persists for a long period and doesn t vanishes with the home-based remedies or medication. The doctor may conduct lab tests, laparoscopy, or radiological tests to come to a conclusion.

Chronic Pelvic Pain - Common Causes Behind It + Related Symptoms!

Pelvic pain frequently leads to a lot of pain in the pelvis of females as well as males. Pelvic pain can be witnessed in men, as well, and can come from different causes. Pelvic pain might be a manifestation of infection or may emerge from pain in the pelvic bone or other organs, for example, the bladder or colon. In ladies, in any case, pelvic pain can in all likelihood be an indication that there might be an issue with one of the regenerative organs in the pelvic range (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or vagina).

To determine what is causing pelvic pain, your doctor will first ask you several questions about your symptoms and past medical problems. He or she will also perform a physical exam and may offer you tests to determine what is causing your pain. Other tests that may be given include:

Blood and urine tests
Pregnancy tests in females of reproductive age
Vaginal or penile cultures to check for sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and/or chlamydia
Abdominal and pelvic X-rays
Bone density screening (special type of X-ray to determine the strength of bone)
Diagnostic laparoscopy (procedure allowing a direct look at the structures in the pelvis and abdomen)
Hysteroscopy (procedure to examine the uterus)
Stool test (checking a stool sample for microscopic blood)
Lower endoscopy (insertion of a lighted tube to examine the inside of the rectum and part or all of the colon)
Ultrasound (test that uses sound waves to provide images of internal organs)
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis (scan that uses X-rays and computers to produce an image of a cross-section of the body)
Few possible reasons for pelvic pain in both men and women may include:

An infected appendix is an irritation of the informative supplement, a three and a half inch long container of tissue that reaches out from the digestive organ.
A few people blame a little bladder for regular breaks, however, your body's ordinary "limit" is once in a while the genuine reason for such an issue. In healthy individuals, that limit ranges from one to two mugs.
Sexual conditions, or STDs, incorporate chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Vaginal or reformatory release and pain or torment during urination can also demonstrate an STD.
Kidney disease or kidney stones
Intestinal pain
Nerve conditions
A hernia occurs when an organ or greasy tissue crushes through a frail spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue called the belt.
Broken pelvis could occur due to a prior injury.
Psychogenic pain is a pain issue connected with mental variables. A few sorts of mental or passionate issues can bring about, increment or drag out the pain.
The possible reasons for pelvic pain in only women just may include:

Ectopic pregnancy: In case that the prepared egg embeds in your fallopian tube or elsewhere in your stomach area, you wind up with what is called an ectopic pregnancy.
Unsuccessful labor: An unsuccessful labor is the departure of an embryo before the twentieth week of pregnancy.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease, generally called PID, is a disease of the female regenerative organs.
Ovulation: The primary stage begins with the main day of your period. Your body discharges hormones that make the eggs inside your ovaries develop. If your ovulation cycle is interrupted due to any means, it can cause pelvic pain as well. It can generally, also cause pelvic pain.
Fibroids: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous lumps that develop on the uterus. Symptoms may include substantial periods, cramping, excruciating sex and an urge to urinate frequently.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is the growth of uterine-coating tissue outside the uterus. Side effects may include stomach pain, painful periods, and infertility.
Uterine cancer: Cancerous growth inside the uterus
Cervical cancer: Cervical cancer is for the most part brought on by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. A HPV vaccine may decrease the danger of cervical cancer.

Pelvic Pain - 8 Possible Reasons Behind It!

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