The link between UTIs and pelvic inflammatory disease
UTIs are proportional to pelvic inflammatory disease because both affect a woman’s lower reproductive system. If bladder infection is left untreated, the infection will spread further and affect the reproductive organs such as the vagina or cervix, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease that takes more time and more effective drugs to control. A UTI is a condition in which every part of the urinary system is infected, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
The symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease are observed to resemble those of urinary tract infections. However, what sets them apart is their severity and their long-term effects.
Look for these symptoms to differentiate between UTI and PID
1. Severe pain in the pelvic area
When the body’s reproductive organs are exposed to bacteria carried by an STD, inflammation occurs, resulting in severe pain that is more aggressive than normal menstrual cramps. If you experience severe cramps in your lower abdomen or pelvis, especially when you are not menstruating, it is advisable to see a doctor to find out the cause.
2. Fever
Fever indicates the body is fighting an infection. If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, along with pelvic pain or vaginal discharge, it could be a UTI.
3. Pain during intercourse
If you experience pain during intercourse, this can either be an indication of a bladder infection or a yeast infection. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause long-term health problems.
4. Unusual vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is normal. However, if there is too much discharge accompanied by an unusual odor, this could be a symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease. If you experience this, it is important to start treatment before it reaches other reproductive organs.
5. Frequent painful urination
Painful urination is a symptom of bladder infection. If left untreated, the bladder infection gets worse and can travel to the uterus or ovaries and cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Be transparent about pain levels during treatment, as extreme pain is more a symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease, which requires more attention and a larger dose of antibiotics than cystitis.
6. Irregular menstruation
Extra long periods, spotting, heavy bleeding, or cramping throughout the month are symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. Menstruation is accompanied by these, but when these symptoms are severe and interfere with your daily activities, a proper investigation is required.
7. Pain in rectum and lower back
Pelvic inflammatory disease is accompanied by severe pain in the lower back and rectum, especially during periods. So if you’re struggling with these symptoms, it could be PID.
8. Vomiting and fatigue
Severe abdominal pain can cause nausea and vomiting because the body has low immunity to infection. If you experience fatigue along with the above symptoms, it is helpful to consult a doctor to understand the exact cause.
Bring away
It’s important to understand that ignoring symptoms can lead to long-term health complications. Therefore, it is important that you see a doctor whenever you notice any symptom, regardless of the degree, to be on the safe side.