Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can refer to infection of any of the organs in the pelvic area: the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. PID is one of the most common causes of female infertility. After the infection is over, permanent scarring of the fallopian tubes can result, and this can sometime put a woman at risk for an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which is a serious condition.

What are the Causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• IUD (intrauterine device) usage
• Pelvic surgery

What are the Symptoms of PID?

• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Painful intercourse
• Painful urination
• Fever
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Nausea and vomiting

Who Is Likely To Get PID?

• Younger women (under age 25), especially teenagers
• Sexually active women (multiple partners, unsafe sex)

What Does Treatment for PID Involve?

Medication Treatment

First line treatment of PID is a solid course of antibiotics to eliminate bacteria. Combination antibiotic therapy is recommended for best results. These three combinations are recommended by the CDC for treatment of PID:

• Cefoxitin (injection) + probenecid
• Ceftriaxone (injection) + (doxycycline or tetracycline)
• Ofloxacin + (clindamycin or metronidazole)

Treatment is usually for 7-14 days. It is essential to finish all your antibiotics to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent the emergence of resistant organisms.

Surgical Treatment

If you have an abscess in the fallopian tubes or ovary (tubo-ovarian abscess), then surgery may be recommended. The scarring and pelvic pain that resulted from the bacterial infection may linger on after the infection itself is cured. In these cases, reconstructive surgery of the fallopian tubes is performed, in extreme cases, sometimes a partial or total hysterectomy is performed.

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery?

Surgery may provide significant symptomatic relief of pelvic pain caused by PID and with proper reconstruction, may sometimes be able to restore fertility.

How Long Does It Take?

How long surgery takes is entirely dependent on the extent of and type of damage the patient has.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Usually one treatment should suffice.

What Are My Alternatives to Treat PID?

No good alternatives other than medication and surgery

Will I Have Pain?

Pain should be reduced by treatment. If you have surgery, there may be some postoperative pain, but this can be managed by prescription or over-the-counter medications.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

This is highly variable, because it depends on how damaged the organs are and what degree of surgical repair is necessary. If a hysterectomy is needed, 3-6 weeks is not out of the question.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

One of our board-certified gynecologists will perform the procedure.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover PID Treatment?

Insurance should cover this condition and any approved treatments.