Not Always An S.T.D.-Pelvic Inflammatory Disease-The Real Truth

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

It has long been known that PID is commonly caused by untreated Chlamydia and/or Gonorrhea. However that is by no means the only way to get it. It took four months to diagnose me with PID because I tested negative for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. PID is caused by bacteria that enters the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This can happen after a birth, miscarriage, abortion, endometrial biopsy, IUD insertion and excessive douching.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that  1,000,000 women experience an episode of PID each year and about 10% will become infertile. If you have had PID and wish to have a baby, don't lose hope. I had PID for over 4 months before it was diagnosed and I have had two more children since then. I had PID at least three times before giving birth to my last child. I conceived my youngest a week after having Norplant removed which goes to show I was as fertile after three bouts of PID as I was before.

Each case is different, but the most common signs of PID is pelvic pain and abnormal discharge. The infected woman may also have fever, abnormal bleeding, painful sex, bleeding after intercourse, chills fatigue, frequent and/or painful urination, increased menstrual cramping, and/or digestive disturbances. One needn't have a lot of symptoms to have PID. You may even have no symptoms at all. My only symptom, even after 4 months, was chronic, severe pelvic pain.

PID is frequently episodic. Once you get it , you are susceptible to get it again.