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What it is: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection that occurs in the uterus, the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs. It is usually the result of other STDs or STIs.
How you get it: PID is caused when bacteria gets pushed up into the reproductive organs. This is usually caused by two STDs: gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Symptoms: The symptoms of PID can range from mild to severe. Remember: even if there seem to be no symptoms, there can still be major damage occurring to the reproductive organs. Typically, someone with PID will experience lower abdominal pain. She may also experience a fever, discharge that has a foul odor, pain while peeing and pain during sex.
Prevention: By protecting oneself from STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, a woman can limit her chances of developing PID. Latex condoms used during vaginal, anal or oral sex can prevent many of these STDs.
Treatment: Antibiotics can cure PID, however, sometimes the symptoms can be tricky. And while medication can cure this disease, it cannot undo the damage that PID has already caused, like fallopian tube scarring or infertility. For those who become extremely ill, PID may result in surgery.
Long-term Implications: Without treatment, PID can cause scarring on the reproductive organs, ectopic pregnancies, chronic abdominal pain or even infertility.