1. PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)

2. Causes
Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia cause about 90% of all cases of PID
The STDs that develop into PID are caused by bacteria
PID is the only street name for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

3. Are YOU at risk?
Sexually active female teenagers are most at risk to develop PID
Women with many sexual partners, STDs, and previous episodes of PID are at high risk

4. Symptoms Pain or tenderness in the stomach or lower abdominal area
Yellow or green vaginal discharge
Irregular/Painful periods
Pain during urination or sex
Spotting or cramping
Chills or high fever
Nausea and vomiting

5. Treatments Antibiotics taken by mouth, sometimes ineffective
Surgery (to remove abscesses in pelvic region)
Doctor may have to open the abdomen to view the internal organs
If abscesses form on the uterus or ovaries, a doctor may recommend removing both

6. Prevention Avoid multiple sexual partners
Use condoms, diaphragm, or spermicide, even if you are on birth control
Avoid using IUDs if you have multiple sexual partners
Seek treatment immediately if you notice any signs of PID or STIs

7. Health Problems Short term: same as symptoms
Long term: scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility
An ectopic pregnancy
Chronic pelvic pain
PID itself is not contagious, but the STIs that cause it are
PID is not fatal

8. Medical Costs Estimated lifetime cost of about $1200
About $850 of this cost represents care for PID itself
Treatment of the conditions that stem from it will provide additional costs
If surgery is required, this number will go up