Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PID is an infection of the lining or walls of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, or the ovaries, and can result in long-term pelvic pain and permanent damage to the reproductive organs. According to the CDC, each year in the United States, more than 1 million women experience an episode of acute PID. More than 100,000 women become infertile each year as a result of PID, and a large proportion of the ectopic pregnancies occurring every year are due to the consequences of PID. More than 150 women die from this infection every year. The majority of females with PID are younger than 25 and almost 15% of all females will suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) at some point in their lives.
Female Reproductive Organs can be damaged by PID
How do I get this?
PID is caused by germs that enter the vagina and then travel through the cervix (the entrance to the uterus), into the uterus, up the fallopian tubes, and into the ovaries. It is spread sexually. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two STDs most likely to cause PID.
Sexually active women in their childbearing years are most at risk, and those under age 25 are more likely to develop PID than those older than 25. This is partly because the cervix of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured, increasing their susceptibility to the STDs that are linked to PID.
The more sex partners a woman has, the greater her risk of developing PID. Also, a woman whose partner has more than one sex partner is at greater risk of developing PID, because of the potential for more exposure to infectious agents.
What should I watch for?
PID may cause symptoms that range from mild to severe, but many women have no symptoms at all.
When symptoms do occur, they are likely to include abdominal pain, abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge, painful urination, and fever. You may suffer from nausea and vomiting if the infection has spread to the lining of your abdomen. Symptoms are more likely to develop during or immediately after your period. It's important to visit a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
What happens if I don't get treated?
What does it look like?
VERY GRAPHIC!
PID can damage the fallopian tubes so that your eggs cannot travel to the uterus normally. A frequent result of PID is ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube or elsewhere instead of in the body of the uterus). As it grows, an ectopic pregnancy may rupture the fallopian tube and cause severe pain, internal bleeding and even death.
Untreated PID can damage your reproductive organs so that you can not have children. You can die if the infection enters your bloodstream (septicemia).
How can I prevent it?
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs.
Use a new latex condom (rubber) with a water-based lubricant every time you have sex.
Read below for more ways you can protect yourself...
ANSWER:
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs. There is really no way to have a sexual relationship with another person that does not put you at risk for STDs. Ideally you should wait to have sex until you are ready for a permanent relationship with just one person and when they are equally committed to this relationship and to only having sex with you. Even in this situation, there is a risk of STDs if you or your partner has had other sexual relationships prior to this relationship.
If you are having sex now using a latex condom is your first line of defense. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Many teens are embarrassed to buy condoms, but if you are old enough to have sex, you are old enough to act responsibly. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from taking care of yourself and your partner.
Think ahead and always be prepared!
More Ways to Protect Yourself if You are Having Sex Now:
- Have sex only with one partner who is not infected and is only having sex with you.
- Talk with your partner about past sex partners and about any needle drug use.
- Don't have sex with someone who you think might have a STD.
- Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of STD. If you see anything you are worried about, don't have sex!
- Use a latex condom (rubber) for oral and anal sex. Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex. Males and females should both carry protection.
- In addition to condoms, use birth control foam, cream, or jelly. These kill many STD germs.
- Urinate immediately after sex - this may help remove harmful germs from the urinary tract.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgment, making you more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
- Get checked for STDs every time you have a health exam if you have had sex. Remember not all STDs have symptoms!
- Know the symptoms of STDs. If you notice a symptom, go see a doctor.
- If you have a STD, your partner must get treated. Don't have sex until your treatment is complete.
The Teen Health Program website is funded through the Georgia Department of Public Health - Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program.