If you’re one of the estimated one million women treated for pelvic inflammatory disease every year, you understand how disruptive and painful the condition can be. Dr. Sowmya Reddy and the medical team at Alpha OBGYN in Alpharetta and Cumming, Georgia, offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for pelvic inflammatory disease and can help you find a path back to healthy function. Schedule an appointment today to get started. You can book your visit by phone, or try the simple online scheduling function.
Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is a common infection of your reproductive organs. The definition includes many types of inflammation, including many specific gynecologic conditions such as:
Pelvic inflammatory disease is often caused by sexually transmitted diseases, but can also occur due to other types of vaginal bacteria. Any time a vaginal infection spreads to your uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease can occur.
Symptoms can vary from one woman to the next, so it’s important to listen to the messages your body is sending you and schedule a diagnostic exam if you feel that something isn’t right. Some of the symptoms of PID include:
It’s important to understand that some women won’t experience any symptoms with PID, or the symptoms may seem connected to a different medical concern.
The most powerful way to reduce your risk is to engage in healthy and safe sexual practices. That means limiting the number of sexual partners and always using a condom when having sex outside of a mutually monogamous relationship.
Avoid douching, as the practice affects the balance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina. Douching can also mask symptoms of PID and other gynecologic issues. Your vagina has a strong self-cleaning function, and there’s no need to introduce special hygiene products into your normal routines.
Treatment depends on the type of PID you have, which tissue types are affected, and how advanced the condition has become. Antibiotics may play a role in your treatment path. You may need to take antibiotics for a period of two weeks to clear all signs of infection.
If you have a serious case of pelvic inflammatory disease you may need to be hospitalized to gain control of the infection. Dr. Reddy will advise you on the best course of action during your diagnostic appointment. Contact the office nearest you online or by phone to set up your exam today.
