Pelvic inflammatory disease is a name that is used in the presence of an inflammatory process of the upper part of the organs of the genital system. These include the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In pelvic inflammatory disease, the inflammatory process can involve one or all of the organs. Cause of the disease The occurrence of an inflammatory process is associated with an infectious agent that has reached the upper genital tract. The most frequently isolated causative agents are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which are transmitted through sexual contact. Pelvic inflammatory disease is most often a polymicrobial disease, that is, more than one causative agent is found. Other common causes of the infectious process are: Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, E.coli and Gardnerella vaginalis. Development of the infection In order to reach the development of an inflammatory process, there are predisposing factors that support the passage of the infectious agent to the upper parts of the genital system. These are: Previous inflammatory diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. Frequent change of sexual partners – risky sexual behavior. The presence of an intrauterine contraceptive spiral is a prerequisite for breaking the conditional barrier between the upper and lower parts of the genital system. There is a risk of transferring the pathogen from the vagina to the uterus when performing hysterography or endometrial biopsy. Symptoms in women with pelvic inflammatory disease Due to the nature of the development of the infection, the inflammatory process very often covers more than one structure of the reproductive system. The woman’s complaints are related to pain in the lower abdomen as well as discomfort during sexual intercourse. Very often these symptoms are associated with general symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting. NEWS_MORE_BOX The infectious process can cover only the organs of the genital system, in this case it is referred to as uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease. Sometimes, during the course of the disease, purulent foci form in the walls of the organs themselves, or the infection spreads to the abdominal cavity. In this case, it is referred to as complicated pelvic inflammatory disease. In both forms of the disease, the peritoneum can be affected by the inflammatory process. Diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease The presence of an inflammatory process in the fallopian tubes can be detected during a gynecological examination. Due to the inflammation, they can be palpated compacted and thickened. With bimanual palpation (palpation with both hands), the movement of the cervix is ​​accompanied by pain in the fallopian tubes or Douglas space. It is located between the uterus and the rectum in women and may also be involved in the inflammatory process in pelvic inflammatory disease. During the gynecological examination, the presence of copious vaginal discharge was established.For the full diagnosis of the disease, it is necessary to carry out a microbiological examination in order to detect the causative agent. Carrying out a laparoscopy helps to visualize the inflammatory process and determine the structures covered by it. Treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease Pelvic inflammatory disease, which occurs without complications, can be treated at home. It often leads to hospitalization. After carrying out a microbiological examination, treatment with appropriate antibiotics is undertaken. In case of complications of pelvic inflammatory disease, surgical treatment may be required. Complications as a result of past pelvic inflammatory disease Pelvic inflammatory disease proceeds with an inflammatory process. As a result, multiple adhesions can form, which can make the normal course of pregnancy difficult. An ectopic pregnancy may also result from a past infection of the upper genital tract.