Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Specialists in Delhi

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, most commonly resulting from sexually transmitted bacteria that ascend from the vagina and cervix into the upper reproductive tract. It can range from a mild, subtle infection to a severe illness causing abscess formation and significant pelvic pain. If left untreated or inadequately treated, it can lead to serious long-term complications including chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility due to scarring of the fallopian tubes.

Causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Most commonly caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea, which ascend from the lower genital tract into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Risk factors include multiple sexual partners, unprotected intercourse, a prior history of pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infection, young age at first intercourse, and recent insertion of an intrauterine device. Delayed treatment of lower genital tract infections significantly increases the risk of ascending infection.

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge often with an unpleasant odor, pain during intercourse, irregular menstrual bleeding, fever and chills, pain or burning during urination, nausea and vomiting in more severe cases, in some cases, mild or no symptoms at all

Treatment & Types of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Delhi

Prompt treatment with a course of antibiotics targeting the likely causative bacteria is essential to prevent long-term complications, and is typically started even before definitive test results return given the risk of delay. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection. Severe cases with abscess formation or failure to improve with antibiotics may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics or, rarely, surgical drainage.

Pelvic inflammatory disease is classified by severity from mild, subtle infection that may cause few noticeable symptoms, to severe illness involving abscess formation and significant pelvic pain. It can also be classified as acute, a distinct new infection episode, or as having chronic sequelae, referring to the long-term complications like scarring that can develop after inadequately treated infection.

Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists in Delhi (1)

Frequently Asked Questions