|
What is PID, Pelvic Inflammatory
Disease?
Pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID) is a sexually transmitted infection
(STI) of the female reproductive system.
How do I get PID?
PID is usually caused when another STI—such
as chlamydia or gonorrhea—is left
untreated. If you have one of these
two infections or other germs and don't
do anything to get rid of them, you
are much more likely to get PID.
What does PID do to my body?
Most of the time, the signs that
you have PID are not very obvious,
and sometimes there are no signs at
all. This is why you must be extremely
careful if you notice any of the following:
- Cramping, pain, or temderness in the
pelvic or lower abdominal (stomach)
area
- Bleeding between periods
- Increased
or different discharge from your
vagina
- Pain when having sex
- Nausea and/or
vomiting
- Fever
Is there a cure for PID?
Yes! Luckily, if
you treat it early, PID can be cured
with antibiotics. If you have had the
disease for a long time before you
find it, you may have to be hospitalized
in order to get the necessary treatment.
How do I find out if I have PID?
If you have taken part in any sexual
activity and notice any of the above
signs of PID, you should visit a doctor's
office or clinic to get tested as soon
as possible.
How can I reduce my risk of getting PID?
-
Get Tested
Get tested to determine if
you or any of your partners have
STIs that might lead to PID if left
untreated.
- Limit the Number of Partners You
Have
The fewer partners you have who are
known to be uninfected, the less
chance you will get an STI.
- Don't Have Sex
Do not have sex or take part in any
sexual activity with anyone who is
exhibiting symptoms of an STI. Also,
if you know you have an STI, do not
continue to have sex.
- Protect Yourself
Use a condom or any barrier, such as
plastic wrap or dental dam, to prevent
skin to skin contact with the infected
area. This method will not guarantee
prevention, but it will increase protection
and is a good way to prevent STIs.
How do I learn more about PID?
To learn more about HPV and other STIs call:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
800-232-4636
Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
Information is available in Spanish
as well
For Information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing call
1-888-232-6348
|
