Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (cont.)

The more times you have pelvic inflammatory disease, the more likely it is that you won't be able to get pregnant. When you have pelvic inflammatory disease, bacteria infect the tubes or cause inflammation of the tubes. This turns normal tissue into scar tissue. Scar tissue can block your tubes and make it harder to get pregnant. Even having just a little scar tissue can keep you from getting pregnant without infertility treatment.

Pelvic inflammatory disease is most often caused by an STI that hasn't been treated. You can keep from getting pelvic inflammatory disease by not getting an STI.

• The best way to prevent an STI is to not have sex of any kind.
  
  
• Have sex with 1 partner who doesn't have any STIs.
  
  
• Use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Read and follow the directions on the package. Condoms, when used the right way, can lower your chances of getting an STI.
  
  
• Don't douche. Douching removes some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protect you from infection. This makes it easier for you to get an STI.
  
  
• If you're having sex, ask your doctor to test you for STIs. STIs are easier to treat if they are found early.
  
  
• Learn the common symptoms of STIs. If you think you might have an STI, see your doctor right away.

If you think you may have an STI, see a doctor right away. You may feel scared or shy about asking for information or help. Keep in mind, the sooner you seek treatment, the less likely the STI will cause you severe harm. And the sooner you tell your sex partner(s) that you have an STI, the less likely they are to infect you again or spread the disease to others.

To learn about STIs or get tested, contact your doctor, local health department, or an STI and family planning clinic. The American Social Health Association (ASHA) keeps lists of clinics and doctors who provide treatment for STIs. Call ASHA at 800-227-8922. You can get information from the phone line without leaving your name.

SOURCE: womenshealth.gov. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
<http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/pelvic-inflammatory-disease.cfm>

Last Editorial Review: 5/18/2010

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/pelvic_inflammatory_disease/article.htm