Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) is a common infection suffered by women that affects the female reproductive tract.  Commonly the organs that are affected are the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.  Approximately 1 in 7 women will contract PID from sources such as a tainted IUD, sexually transmitted diseases or common vaginal flora that is able to breach the cervical barrier during pregnancy and childbirth.

A pelvic inflammatory disease infection is a serious problem for women because it can become chronic if not treated completely or it can recur.  In either case because of the consistent inflammation and scarring in the reproductive tract it can result in infertility.

In fact, PID is among the most common reasons for women to become infertile in their childbearing years.  PID can also cause ectopic pregnancies.  This means that the egg becomes fertilized and implants in the fallopian tube rather than implanting in the uterus.  The egg begins to grow in this tiny space that then can rupture if it isn’t diagnosed early.  An ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of death in women in their first trimester.

Women who are at higher risk of PID are those who have multiple sexual partners, are sexually active at an early age, use an IUD and engage in risk taking behaviors such as drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs.  Women can also reduce their chances of contracting PID by using a barrier method of contraception (birth control) such as a diaphragm and spermicidal cream.  These barriers help to reduce the chance that an infection will occur that can break the cervical barrier.

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