Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious condition that affects the reproductive organs in your abdomen. This type of infection causes a number of symptoms, including issues with your menstrual cycle. But early identification and treatment of this problem saves you from future complications.
If you live in the Plano, Texas, area, Dr. John Paul Roberts is an experienced OB/GYN who offers excellent care for issues with your menstrual cycle. If he determines your symptoms are due to PID, Dr. Roberts provides fast and efficient care for this problem.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a problem that arises with your reproductive organs. It typically occurs from a sexually transmitted infection that spreads from your vagina into your abdomen. This infects your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
The main cause of PID is unprotected sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection. It’s passed to you, and without treatment, causes PID. There are some cases where bacteria is left in your vagina after sex, which can also lead to PID.
There are many symptoms associated with PID. You may have some or all of these symptoms:
Although these symptoms may also signal other issues, one of the main causes is PID. This problem affects your overall reproductive health and your periods.
Your periods are definitely affected by PID. The infection typically starts in your vagina, and when it’s not treated, it travels up into your uterus. From there, it can also spread into your ovaries and fallopian tubes.
When the infection reaches your uterus, it affects the cells and lining inside. This lining is what’s shed during your period. When you have PID, it changes how your uterus gets rid of the lining.
For example, your flow during your period may be much heavier than normal when you’re dealing with PID. Your period could also be longer than usual due to the heavier flow of blood.
When you have PID, it also sometimes delays your period from starting. Although a late period is an early indicator of pregnancy, when it’s due to PID, you’ll also suffer from other uncomfortable symptoms like foul vaginal discharge and pelvic pain.
Cramping is another aspect of your period that’s worse when you have PID. Part of this could be due to the pelvic or abdominal pain that’s associated with the condition. But your body is also trying to fight the infection, which leads to inflammation in your uterus, and cramping.
Bleeding after sex or in between your periods is also common with PID. If you have any changes in your period or are having significant cramping or pain, it’s best to see Dr. Roberts right away for treatment.
Anytime you’re experiencing pain in your abdomen or have changes in your menstrual cycle, you should seek treatment. PID is only one of the many causes of pain and other symptoms that affect your reproductive organs.
There are a few circumstances where you should see Dr. Roberts right away. If you think you have PID and any of the following symptoms, our team recommends immediate medical care:
Even when you have mild to moderate symptoms of PID, Dr. Roberts recommends you see him for treatment. Changes in your periods, bleeding after intercourse, and painful urination are all signs of a potential sexually transmitted infection.
Getting treatment early on prevents the infection from spreading, which causes PID. Untreated sexually transmitted infections lead to infertility and chronic pelvic pain. With treatment, Dr. Roberts helps you prevent these complications.
When you have pelvic inflammatory disease, you need expert care. Don’t hesitate to call our office in Plano, Texas, or book an appointment with Dr. Roberts through our website.
