What Are Pelvic Infections?
A pelvic infection affects the upper reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. While symptoms are typically mild, medical treatment is essential to prevent complications. Untreated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can compromise fertility.
Causes
Pelvic infections stem from bacterial spread through the vagina into higher reproductive structures. Though sometimes introduced as sexually transmitted infections, normal vaginal bacteria can also trigger problems when reaching other body areas. The resulting inflammation activates the immune system, causing characteristic symptoms.
Symptoms
Common indicators include pelvic pain, sexual discomfort, urinary pain, heavy or painful periods, inter-menstrual bleeding, and unusual vaginal discharge. Severe cases may present with high fever, acute abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Professional evaluation is recommended even for mild symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis relies on symptom assessment, gynecological examination for inflammation and tenderness, and laboratory testing of vaginal and cervical swabs to confirm infection presence.
Treatment
Most cases respond to antibiotic medication, typically taken orally for two weeks, sometimes supplemented with injectable antibiotics. Prompt treatment prevents complications like fallopian tube scarring that could impair fertility or increase ectopic pregnancy risk.
Prevention
Reduce recurrence risk through condom use and pre-procedure infection screening before invasive gynecological interventions like IUCD insertion.