PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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