If you are sexually active, then you may already know that sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia can lead to a condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Although not an STI itself, the condition can be unpleasant and painful and lead to infertility if left untreated. So what is it, and how can you protect yourself?

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The Causes of PID

Very often it is caused by a bacterial infection that enters through the vagina and travels to the reproductive organs. In a quarter of cases, it is due to an STI such as gonorrhoea or Chlamydia.

What Are the Signs of PID?

Some people have no symptoms at all, but others will have unpleasant and varied side-effects. These can include a loss of appetite and fatigue, pain in the lower back, pain during intercourse or when urinating, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding between periods or after sex, unusually heavy periods or even vomiting.

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Treatment

The good news is that PID can be effectively treated with antibiotics, typically taken over 14 days, although sometimes surgery is required if the internal damage is more pronounced. However, the course must be completed, and it’s important not to have sex during this time. You should also let your sexual partners – past and present – know about it so that they can be tested as necessary.

Getting Tested

If you suspect you might have PID, it’s important to get tested for STIs in the first instance. You can get convenient and rapid STI test London wide through www.checkurself.org.uk/plus and have your results sent to you. This avoids the need to wait in a long queue at a clinic or having to arrange a doctor’s appointment for tests at a time that isn’t convenient.

The Risk of Infertility

It’s important to know that if you don’t treat PID you could find that you have problems in the longer term for future pregnancies. The condition can prevent cells from developing properly in early pregnancy, lead to ectopic pregnancies if tubes are scarred, or even result in infertility. By getting tested regularly for STIs and taking the necessary treatment, you can avoid this situation and safeguard your health.

If you have any reason to think that you might have PID, then get it diagnosed and treated today before it leads to longer-term problems that are harder to deal with.