Signs Of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease spreads through sexual contact, is caused by sexually transmitted infections, and requires a medical diagnosis. When bacteria from these diseases travel around the pelvic region and remain untreated, women can develop this severe condition. Since women may not know if they have a sexually transmitted disease right away, the chances of developing pelvic inflammatory disease are high. With this in mind, it is crucial to learn the warning signs and catch this condition as early as possible.

Pelvic Pain

One of the most common signs of pelvic inflammatory disease is the pain, which can be sharp and dull in the lower part of the pelvic region. It is extremely uncomfortable and is experienced below the belly button and above the legs. Patients may feel pain and have a burning sensation when urinating. The pain can develop within two days or two weeks after infection and is a sign medical attention is necessary.

Since the bacteria spreads throughout reproductive organs, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus are contaminated. This infection causes the majority of the pelvic region to become inflamed too. The scar tissue can form on the inside and outside of the fallopian tubes and cause blockage, which makes it difficult for eggs to be released. This is another reason pelvic pain occurs when a sexually transmitted disease is left untreated. The chance of having an ectopic pregnancy and infertility also increases with pelvic inflammatory disease.

Fever And Chills

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious disease that infects the entire reproductive system. Patients can become physically ill and suffer from fever and chills caused by the onset of the infection. Women experience abdominal bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting as well. When a patient has a fever, their body temperature will be above the normal 98.7 degrees considered medically acceptable. A fever is typically 100.4 degrees or higher and can be dangerous. On the other hand, chills are a cold sensation in the body that brings on quivering and shaking. They can go away quickly or be prolonged depending on how long the infection has been going on.

Difficult And Painful Urination

Even though pelvic inflammatory disease infects the reproductive system with harmful bacteria, it also affects the urinary tract. When trying to urinate, patients may have a difficult time releasing urine and experience severe pain. This condition causes difficult and painful urination because the bladder and reproductive system are close to one another. A bladder infection can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease if the bacteria is allowed to reach the uterus and ovaries.

The bladder holds urine, and the urethra is the duct it flows through when it’s time to urinate. The urethra relaxes during bladder contractions to allow urine to pass through. Since it is exposed to the bacteria, urination is difficult and painful. Getting treatment is necessary to cure pelvic inflammatory disease and stop pain during urination.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Another sign of pelvic inflammatory disease is abnormal uterine bleeding, usually outside of a woman's normal period, since the bacteria affects the entire reproductive system. This is a serious symptom and indicates prolonged exposure to the dangerous bacteria. Any abnormal uterine bleeding is cause for concern, even if it is not the result of pelvic inflammatory disease. This symptom is typically the result of infection, and the longer it lasts, the more serious the effects will be, such as long-term chronic pain.

Bowel Discomfort

Bowel discomfort accompanies nausea, vomiting, and fever attributed to pelvic inflammatory disease. If left untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease will affect the bowels because the bacteria is constantly spreading. The bowels are located close to the reproductive system and thus, are susceptible to the spreading infection. Many women complain of irritable bowel syndrome and have difficulty with bowel movements. Irritable bowel syndrome is an intestinal condition the brings on pain in the abdomen.

When pelvic inflammatory disease does not get treated promptly, it can cause a host of complications. Thus, it is imperative to receive medical treatment for this condition to prevent further illness and from spreading the disease.