About P.I.D.

    Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a bacterial infection that occurs through trauma of the uterus. The condition can be acute or chronic introduced through the skin, vagina, or gastrointestinal tract.
The most common cause of PID is through sexually transmitted disease, however bacteria may also enter the body during procedures such as:
  • Childbirth
  • Endometrial biopsy
  • Insertion of an intrauterine device
  • Miscarriage
  • Therapeutic or elective abortion
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Clinical Signs and Symptoms of P.I.D.

(Often times this condition can be asymptomatic)
  • Vaginal discharge or bleeding
  • Burning on urination
  • Aching in the abdominal, pelvic, or back regions
  • Painful intercourse
  • Painful menstruation
  • Constitutional symptoms including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting

  Any woman experiencing any of the above symptoms should inquire about a Pap Test, pelvic ultrasound, and pelvic examination.
     

Treatment

Antibiotics are prescribed with mild infection. More severe cases of PID may require intravenous administration of antibiotics.
Complicated cases that do not improve with antibiotics may need surgery. Patients with PID are not routinely referred for physical therapy until the condition is found to be resistant to antibiotic therapy.  Physical therapy can help manage pelvic pain and break up scar adhesions.




References

Balogun, J., & Okonofua, F. (1988). Management of Chronic Inflammatory Pelvic Disease. Physical Therapy, 68 (10), 1541-1545.

Dutton M. Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 2nd ed. McGraw-Hill; 2008:1568-1569.

Pelvic inflammatory disease fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/PID/STDFact-PID.htm. Accessed
    June 14, 2011.