Latest news with #PelvicInflammatoryDisease
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a sneaky infection that affects the upper female reproductive tract – uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries – and is classified as an upper genital tract infection. Often linked to untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), most cases of PID are caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. PID can have serious reproductive consequences such as chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. If left untreated PID can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs which can impact fertility and overall reproductive health. The challenge for clinicians is not only the subtle or non specific symptoms but also the expanding list of causative pathogens and shifting resistance patterns. Risk factors for PID are unprotected sex and having multiple partners which increases the risk of PID especially in young women. Fortunately recent research is changing how we approach diagnosis, treatment and prevention – offering hope for better outcomes with early comprehensive care. Diagnosing a PID isn't as simple as ordering one test. Most clinicians rely on a combination of clinical signs: lower abdominal pain, cervical motion tenderness and uterine or adnexal tenderness. Clinical diagnosis is key with pelvic examination playing a big role in evaluating cervical discharge, uterine tenderness and lower genital tract inflammation. The classic 2008 study on PID management advises to have a 'low threshold' for diagnosis especially since delayed treatment can cause permanent reproductive damage [1]. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications and long term sequelae. But the microbial picture is more complicated than that. While Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are still the well known culprits, they're not the only ones. A 2021 review in The Journal of Infectious Diseases points to pathogens like Mycoplasma genitalium as emerging players in PID [7]. These atypical bacteria often evade traditional STI tests making diagnosis harder and highlighting the need for broader microbial screening. Subclinical PID often resulting from less symptomatic infections like chlamydia can still cause long term consequences even in the absence of symptoms. Another 2021 study 'Etiology and Diagnosis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease' goes even further by suggesting diagnostic strategies that go beyond gonorrhea and chlamydia [8]. This broader approach reduces misdiagnosis and ensures treatment addresses the full range of potential infections – a key to better long term outcomes. When evaluating severe pain in the pelvic region or lower abdomen, clinicians must consider alternative diagnoses like ovarian torsion and tubo ovarian abscess. Diagnostic tools may include pelvic ultrasound and in uncertain cases endometrial biopsy to clarify the diagnosis. Comprehensive evaluation is key and clinicians must diagnose PID accurately to avoid missing cases with atypical presentations. When PID is suspected the standard advice is to treat immediately before test results confirm a specific pathogen. That's because empiric therapy which uses broad spectrum antibiotics covers the wide range of bacteria associated with PID. Empiric treatment and prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications like chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The 2019 American Family Physician review outlines best practices for outpatient and inpatient settings and emphasizes early treatment especially in high risk women [2]. Outpatient treatment is an option for most patients with mild to moderate symptoms and allows them to manage the infection without hospitalization. Emergency medicine literature reinforces this point. Studies in Emergency Medicine Practice (2016 and 2022) stress the importance of prompt intervention especially in emergency departments where many PID cases present first [5] [6]. These papers also emphasize clear discharge instructions and the need for close follow up especially for women whose symptoms don't resolve fully within the first few days. It's essential to treat PID promptly and make sure patients receive treatment to avoid long term complications from pelvic infection. Choosing the right antibiotic combination matters too. A 2013 BMJ review using GRADE scoring to assess evidence strength suggests regimens with doxycycline, cefoxitin or ceftriaxone and metronidazole are most effective [9]. The same review also highlights the benefit of prophylactic antibiotics before IUD insertion especially in high risk patients. Birth control methods like IUDs can increase the risk of pelvic infection especially in the presence of bacterial vaginosis which disrupts the vaginal flora and may contribute to ascending infections. While most PID can be managed with outpatient antibiotics some scenarios require more intensive management. Hospitalization is recommended for patients who are pregnant, have severe symptoms, have an abscess or aren't responding to oral medications. Infections of the upper female genital tract and pelvic organs can cause long term complications including damage to the reproductive organs like the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. A 2023 article in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management advises clinicians to stratify care based on illness severity and risk factors [3]. This includes considering polymicrobial infections and resistance trends when choosing treatment regimens. Presence of anaerobes or treatment resistant bacteria may require intravenous antibiotics or surgical intervention. There is also potential for scar tissue formation in the fallopian tube and other reproductive organs which can cause chronic pain and infertility. A 2010 review in Obstetrics and Gynecology echoes this message. It states most women recover well with outpatient care but clinicians must be aware of microbial diversity especially in populations where STI prevalence is high or access to care is limited [4]. As our understanding of PID evolves so do the tools to diagnose and treat it. Traditional STI panels may miss important pathogens which is why there's growing interest in non-invasive tests and molecular diagnostics. These technologies including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) can detect low abundance microbes like Mycoplasma genitalium that traditional methods miss [3] [7]. Looking ahead experts recommend a multipronged approach: Some public health campaigns are already incorporating these principles. For example the CDC's updated STI guidelines now include emerging pathogens and detailed follow up protocols. Planned Parenthood's PID awareness campaign stresses education, partner treatment and timely care – all key to stopping the cycle of reinfection. Comprehensive testing for other STIs like HIV and syphilis is also recommended for sexually active individuals. When discussing partner notification and public health education all sexual partners should be treated and advised to abstain from sexual intercourse or sexual contact until treatment is complete to prevent reinfection and further spread among sexually active individuals. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is one of the most common and most misunderstood gynecological emergencies. The infection's polymicrobial nature, subtle presentation and potential for long term harm make it a unique challenge in women's health. But the tide is turning. With growing awareness, better diagnostic tools and research based treatment strategies there is a clear path forward. Clinicians must stay up to date with evolving recommendations especially as we discover new pathogens and confront antibiotic resistance. The goal is no longer just treatment – it's prevention, precision and protecting reproductive futures. [1] Haggerty, C. L., & Ness, R. B. (2008). Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease. Women's health (London, England), 4(4), 383–397. [2] Curry, A., Williams, T., & Penny, M. L. (2019). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. American family physician, 100(6), 357–364. [3] Yusuf, H., & Trent, M. (2023). Management of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Clinical Practice. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 19, 183–192. [4] Soper D. E. (2010). Pelvic inflammatory disease. Obstetrics and gynecology, 116(2 Pt 1), 419–428. [5] Bugg, C. W., & Taira, T. (2016). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis And Treatment In The Emergency Department. Emergency medicine practice, 18(12), 1–24. [6] Taira, T., Broussard, N., & Bugg, C. (2022). Pelvic inflammatory disease: diagnosis and treatment in the emergency department. Emergency medicine practice, 24(12), 1–24. [7] Hillier, S. L., Bernstein, K. T., & Aral, S. (2021). A Review of the Challenges and Complexities in the Diagnosis, Etiology, Epidemiology, and Pathogenesis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. The Journal of infectious diseases, 224(12 Suppl 2), S23–S28. [8] Mitchell, C. M., Anyalechi, G. E., Cohen, C. R., Haggerty, C. L., Manhart, L. E., & Hillier, S. L. (2021). Etiology and Diagnosis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Looking Beyond Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The Journal of infectious diseases, 224(12 Suppl 2), S29–S35. [9] Ross J. D. (2013). Pelvic inflammatory disease. BMJ clinical evidence, 2013, 1606.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why ‘Period pain is normal' might be the biggest myth in women's health
For as long as many of us can remember, period pain has been treated as a fact of life. It is something women are expected to live with and rarely question. Calling in sick because of cramps is still met with disbelief or judgment in many homes and workplaces. But the truth is: while some discomfort during menstruation may be common, pain that disrupts your life is not normal, and it should not be ignored. Knowing when to worry Mild cramping in the initial days of a period is typically caused by prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals that help the uterus shed its lining. This kind of discomfort tends to be short-lived and manageable. But if your period pain forces you to miss school or work, causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or stops you from going about your day, it may be time to dig deeper. Pain that severe is often your body's way of signalling that something is wrong. Unfortunately, many people never seek help, either because they are told it is just how periods are, or because they are dismissed when they do try. This leads to delayed diagnoses and prolonged suffering, both physically and emotionally. What could be causing the pain? There are several gynaecological conditions that can result in excessive or debilitating period pain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo One of the most common is endometriosis, where tissue like the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This can cause inflammation, scarring, and often, deep pelvic pain that worsens over time. Another condition is adenomyosis, which occurs when the lining of the uterus grows into its muscular wall. It typically leads to painful, heavy periods. Then there are fibroids that are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, which may lead to increased pressure, cramping, and bleeding. Infections can also play a role. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections and can result in long-term pelvic pain if not addressed early. Even hormonal imbalances can make period cramps more severe by increasing the frequency and strength of uterine contractions. Why early diagnosis matters Ignoring persistent period pain doesn't just affect your quality of life but can also affect your fertility too. Conditions like endometriosis or PID, when undiagnosed or untreated, can cause long-term damage to the reproductive system. Some women live with chronic pain for years, cycling through various treatments without ever receiving a clear diagnosis. That is why recognising the signs and seeking timely medical advice is so important. A fertility specialist can help identify the underlying cause and discuss treatment options, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery, depending on the diagnosis. Changing the conversation The idea that women should simply bear the pain is outdated. Menstrual health deserves the same attention and seriousness as any other aspect of healthcare. It is time we moved past the stigma, listened to women when they describe their pain, and responded with empathy and clinical rigour. Just because something is common does not mean it is normal. The sooner we unlearn that, the closer we come to ensuring that every woman receives the care and relief she deserves. Authored by: Dr Muskaan Chhabra, Fertility Specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF, Lajpat Nagar Cure PCOD, PCOS Naturally: Setu Bandhasana Yoga for Hormonal Balance One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
