Boards
A lot can go on in your down there – including something called pelvic inflammatory disease. Never heard of it? We’ve got the scoop on exactly what it is – and how to know if you have it.
ChickRx expert Dr. Mandi Beman, Ob/Gyn, says:
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the pelvic organs that is caused by an STI (sexually transmitted infection). Sometimes called PID, it can be a pretty serious complication. If left untreated and ignored, it can cause damage to the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes. It can even cause infertility in women! It’s more common than you might think – more than 1 million women in the U.S. get PID every year. Something for you to keep in mind? This rate is highest among teens.
As mentioned above, PID is caused by an STI – gonorrhea and chalmydia that is left untreated causes about 90 percent of the cases. But it’s not only a result of an STI. PID can also happen after an abortion, childbirth or other procedures down there. It’s basically bacteria that infects your cervix.
There are some symptoms you should be on the lookout for. One scary fact is that sometimes, the only symptom is lower abdominal pain – which isn’t a feeling that is always going to make you run to a gyno. Other symptoms include fever, chills, vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex or while using the bathroom and nausea.
The good news is that PID is totally preventable. To avoid getting this disease, always use a condom to protect yourself. You should also always be going to regular trips to the gyno.
Since the number one cause of PID is untreated STDs or STIs, if you are at risk for one of those because you’ve had multiple sex partners or you have had an STI in the past, have a partner with symptoms or have unprotected intercourse, you should see a health care provider.
Got more questions? Post them in the comments below or head on over to ChickRx.com.
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Im 11 and my mom and her boyfriend were rlelay going at it in the NEXT ROOM and I could hear them moning and groning I was traumatized.the next morning I couldn’t even look at them so I told my mom to keep it down a little in the bedroom and it got a little better. Now I just where headphones whenever they do it so i feel your pain!