How to Identify Symptoms of PID

PID is also known as pelvic inflammatory disorder, an infection of the upper portion of female organs that affects a woman's bladder and reproductive organs. The condition generally presents in women during their late teens and early 20s, but has been known to afflict older women as well. PID is usually caused by some type of bacterial infection, most commonly chlamydial and gonorrheal infections. Bacteria present in the genitalia spreads to internal organs and causes signs and symptoms within two days to three weeks after exposure, but may also take months to develop before signs become apparent. Learning how to identify symptoms of PID may help to prevent serious complications such as ongoing pelvic pain, abcesses and ectopic pregancies and, in some cases, infertility.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for signs of pain or discomfort in the lower abdominal area that is not related to monthly cycles. This pain may be felt as dull, throbbing pain and cramps to sharp pains that cause intense discomfort.

• 2

  Pay attention to any type of discharge that may produce a foul odor. While this is not a pleasant symptom to discuss, it is one of the most common symptoms of an infection caused by bacteria.

• 3

  Note any signs of discomfort or pain while urinating or engaging in relations that did not produce discomfort before. Discuss such symptoms with your gynecologist or family physician to help rule out PID and determine a cause.

• 4

  Take note of sudden and irregular menstrual cycles or bleeding. This symptom should always be discussed with a gyenecologist if it does not resolve itself through one menstrual cycle.

• 5

  Pay attention to sudden and increasing bouts of nausea, fever or vomiting. This is a sign that your body is trying to fight infection. Medications to combat the infection will need to be prescribed by a physician.