What Causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Gynecological concerns, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), are a source of anxiety for many women. PID can impact their health, quality of life, and relationships. It's called pelvic inflammatory disease when inflammation affects the reproductive organs, surrounding connective tissues, and pelvic peritoneum in women. This condition encompasses various forms, including endometritis, salpingitis, pelvic connective tissue inflammation, and pelvic peritoneal inflammation, which can occur alone or simultaneously. It ranks among the most prevalent conditions affecting women's health.

PID is a common and recurrent issue among married women. Despite conscientious efforts at self-care, many women find the prevention of PID challenging. With its diverse forms and often lengthy treatment courses, PID can be a source of considerable distress.

So, what causes PID?

1. Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle, particularly insufficient lower abdominal exercise, triggers PID. Modern working women often face time constraints due to family and work commitments, resulting in a lack of daily exercise. Extended periods of sitting in office environments can also lead to compromised blood circulation in the pelvic region, causing chronic pelvic congestion and, eventually, PID.

2. Neglecting Personal Hygiene: Failure to promptly launder underwear after bathing can lead to bacterial buildup if undergarments are left untouched for several days. Women must prioritize the prompt washing of underwear and avoid procrastination. PID sufferers may notice increased vaginal discharge with a thicker texture, making regular underwear changes and avoiding tight or synthetic materials crucial.

3. Weakened Immune System: A robust immune system usually keeps PID at bay. However, a compromised immune system increases vulnerability to inflammation in the pelvic region and surrounding tissues, manifesting as familiar PID symptoms like irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding. Strengthening one's immunity requires a balanced diet and regular exercise to enhance the body's regulatory functions, boost metabolism, and improve immune resilience.

Clinical Signs of PID:

1. Recurrent Lower Abdominal Pain: Patients often report persistent, dull, or bloating lower abdominal pain, which tends to intensify during sexual intercourse, menstruation, or physical exertion.

2. Increased Vaginal Discharge: Chronic pelvic inflammation can lead to heightened local exudation and secretion from the endometrial glands, resulting in increased vaginal discharge that may appear yellowish.

3. Lumbosacral Pain: Inflammation in the pelvic region can cause inflammation in the uterosacral ligament, leading to lumbosacral pain that worsens during menstruation and sexual activity due to pelvic congestion.

During gynecological examinations, adnexitis (inflammation of uterine appendages) may lead to the detection of thickened cord-like structures or masses on one or both sides of the uterus, often accompanied by mild tenderness. In pelvic connective tissue inflammation cases, patchy thickening and varying degrees of tenderness may be present on both sides of the uterus.

Timely treatment is crucial once PID is diagnosed. For acute PID, bacterial culture of cervical secretions or cul-de-sac aspirate fluid, blood culture, and antibiotic susceptibility testing should be performed to select effective antibiotics.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for chronic PID can help eliminate inflammation, resolve pelvic congestion and edema, and alleviate discomfort. The Fuyan Pill is a suitable option with benefits like heat and toxin removal, pain reduction, mass resolution, and enhanced immunity. It can aid in alleviating various PID symptoms and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Preventive Measures for PID:

1. Prioritize Personal Hygiene: During menstruation, post-examinations, or following surgery, it's essential to refrain from sexual intercourse and swimming if there is vaginal bleeding. Frequent changes of underwear and sanitary pads are crucial during menstruation.

2. Monitor Vaginal Discharge: Any significant, colored, or malodorous discharge, especially if it is thick, yellow, or foul-smelling, necessitates prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

3. Infection Prevention: Maintain daily perineal cleanliness and dryness, and use clean water to cleanse the external genitals. Excessive or thick discharge should prompt underwear changes, with synthetic and tight-fitting garments avoided.

4. Seek Prompt Treatment: If diagnosed with acute or chronic PID, engaging with prescribed treatments is vital. Patients should prioritize rest to facilitate the discharge of inflammatory secretions. For those with chronic PID, avoiding excessive fatigue and balancing work and rest, as well as refraining from sexual intercourse, can help manage symptoms.

5. Exercise Regularly: Enhancing immunity is essential to prevent PID. Ensuring adequate sleep and moderate exercise is recommended. Women with a history of PID may benefit from practicing pelvic exercises and sit-ups to improve pelvic blood circulation and metabolism.

In conclusion, maintaining excellent personal hygiene is key to everyday life. If diagnosed with PID, seeking prompt medical treatment from a healthcare professional is crucial.