The Acupuncture Works

PID is the term given to the syndrome which arises as a result of chronic infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. (the female internal genital organs). It is believed that over half of these infections are caused by chlamydia, and up to 30% by the gonococcus.

However, there are a number of less common organisms which may also cause PID. Commonly PID develops without any preceding symptoms. The risk of PID is reduced by use of barrier methods of contraception, and the contraceptive pill, but the risk is increased in users of the "coil"

The most common symptoms of an acute infection include severe abdominal tenderness and pain (with deep dyspareunia), and high fever. In a severe infection pus may collect in a fallopian tube, leading to a severe illness akin to appendicitis. Infection may also spread to the space surround the ovaries.

In its more chronic form, PID may lead to a long-standing feeling of being unwell, and pelvic discomfort, particularly on intercourse. There may be menorrhagia or secondary dysmenorrhoea. Internally, the genital organs may become stuck together (with "adhesions") and scarred.

A serious consequence of acute and chronic PID is infertility, as the scarring and adhesions may prevent ovulation or implantation of the fertilised ovum. Another severe consequence is that there is an increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy in women who have had PID

These long term effects of untreated PID are becoming increasingly common as unprotected sex, particularly amongst teenagers, is increasingly prevalent.

PID is treated with antibiotics, and these may be given intravenously in severe acute infections. Surgery may be necessary in cases in which pus has accumulated. However, as many cases are chronic, the diagnosis may not be made until permanent damage to the internal genital organs has occurred.

In Chinese medicine PID might correspond to one or more of Damp, Heat or Qi and Blood Stagnation in the Uterus.