PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
How do you get it?
By far the majority of infections are transmitted through sexual contact, so things which increase your chances of getting PID include:
• having unprotected sex
• having unprotected sex with several different partners
• having unprotected sex with someone who has had sex with several different partners.
Another (less common) way infections can get into the pelvis is through surgical procedures. Even if they are carried out in a sterile operating theatre, with squeaky clean techniques, there is a small chance that any surgical jiggling around in the pelvis may promote an infection. The procedures which can be
associated with developing PID include:
• dilatation and curettage—D and C
• insertion of an intrauterine device—IUD
• abortion
• endometrial sampling/hysteroscopy
• general surgical procedures, like appendicectomy for appendicitis.
How is it investigated?
After seeking any clues from the history, a doctor should examine a woman carefully to look for any signs of infection. This will involve looking for a fever, abdominal tenderness, a vaginal or cervical discharge, or pain on specific vaginal examination. The doctor should take swabs from the cervix, specifically testing for chlamydia as well as other bugs.
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