Learning How To Manage PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread to reproductive organs mostly due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The infection can also be due to normal bacteria found in a woman’s vagina. PID requires immediate treatment and can lead to complications such as scarring and infertility. Women trying to conceive require treatment such as medical, surgical or advanced fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Finding solutions to treat PID
The first common step in treating PID is antibiotics. The healthcare provider will prescribe oral antibiotics for 14 days and request a follow-up. In severe cases when the antibiotics are not working, the doctor will recommend getting antibiotics intravenously. Severe cases include being unresponsive to oral antibiotics, a collection of pus in the ovary, or being pregnant. Doctors suggest avoiding sexual intercourse during treatment.
Is surgery necessary to treat PID?
In complicated and serious cases, when antibiotics fail and symptoms persist, surgery may be advised. Surgery is also recommended when a patient suffers from chronic pelvic pain or scarring. Bacteria cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, which may lead to blocked tubes. Blocked fallopian tubes can lead to an ectopic pregnancy, a medical emergency. When the tubes are blocked, fertility becomes difficult and doctors seek alternate fertility treatment options.
The likelihood of getting pregnant
PID decreases the chances of becoming fertile, but the chances are even less if one has repeated infections. Additionally, the chances of pregnancy depend on the degree of the blocked fallopian tubes. A blockage near the uterus has a more success rate than a blockage near the ovary. The possibility of getting pregnant after laparoscopic surgery is small.
IVF for pregnancy
If a woman fails to conceive after receiving treatment with antibiotics, surgery or both, doctors typically recommend IVF. Sometimes surgery can also lead to ectopic pregnancy; therefore, doctors also suggest IVF in these cases. Regardless of the situation, IVF can help a woman with PID become pregnant.
Mitigating the risks of developing PID
If a woman is diagnosed with PID, the sexual partner should also be tested. Additionally, if one is sexually active, ask a healthcare provider about getting an annual test for sexually transmitted infections. Use contraceptives such as condoms to reduce the risk of getting another PID. Avoid douching and limit the number of sexual partners.
Solving PID and getting pregnant
PID can be managed by medications such as antibiotics or surgery. Once PID is treated, a woman can still have some hope of becoming a mother. However, in complicated cases, these treatments may not work and infertility is still an issue. In complex situations, the doctor will recommend treatments such as IVF, where couples can still be optimistic about becoming pregnant. If one is diagnosed with PID, speak to the specialist about available treatment options including IVF.
