Inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
It is caused by bacteria from the vagina or cervix.
It manifests itself over time and can last from days to months after contact with the causative agent.
The most characteristic symptom is pain in the pelvic area. Other symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge with thick discharge, pain during ovulation, unpleasant, uncomfortable and even painful sexual intercourse, fever, nausea and vomiting, irregular menstrual bleeding, painful urination if accompanied by inflammation of the urethra, inflammation of the vagina and cramps in the pelvic area.
Diagnosis is made by clinical history and gynaecological physical examination.
The treatment of choice is pharmacological with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs for pain. The patient's partner should also be treated with antibiotics and it is advisable to avoid sexual relations until one week after the end of treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
- Jonathan Ross, MD. Pelvic inflammatory disease: Pathogenesis, microbiology, and risk factors. UpToDate. Oct 21, 2016.
- Jonathan Ross, MD, Mariam R Chacko, MD. Pelvic inflammatory disease: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UpToDate. Jun 13, 2016.
- Harold C Wiesenfeld, MD, CM. Pelvic inflammatory disease: Treatment. UpToDate. Mar 31, 2016.
- Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep 2015; 64:1.
- Soper DE. Pelvic inflammatory disease. Obstet Gynecol 2010; 116:419.
