Knowra Pelvic inflammatory disease Pelvic inflammatory disease Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the upper female reproductive tract, often affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. It can cause pelvic pain, scarring, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
Cervicitis : Inflammation of the cervix, commonly caused by infection. Infection at the cervix can ascend and become an upper-tract infection.
Pelvic pain : Pain felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis, with causes ranging from infection to organ disorders. It is a common symptom, though its presence and severity vary.
Tubal factor infertility : Infertility caused by damage, blockage, or dysfunction of the fallopian tubes. It is a direct reproductive consequence of tubal scarring after infection.
Vaginitis : Inflammation or infection of the vagina, often causing discharge, irritation, or itching. It affects the lower genital tract and does not by itself establish upper-tract infection.
Chlamydia : A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a frequent cause of pelvic inflammatory disease, sometimes without noticeable symptoms.
Pelvic examination : A clinical examination of the external and internal female reproductive organs. Tenderness during examination can support a clinical diagnosis when testing is inconclusive.
Chronic pelvic pain : Persistent or recurrent pain in the pelvic region. Residual inflammation and adhesions can contribute to pain long after infection clears.
Urinary tract infection : An infection in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder or kidneys. Urinary symptoms can overlap with pelvic symptoms but arise from a different tract.
Gonorrhea : A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can ascend from the cervix and trigger upper reproductive tract inflammation.
Nucleic acid amplification test : A laboratory test that detects specific genetic material from an infectious organism. It helps identify common sexually transmitted causes, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea.
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