Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) causes inflammation of a woman’s reproductive organs, leading to scar formation between tissues and organs. This condition either stems from an untreated sexually transmitted infection or other gynecological infection. The pelvic inflammatory disease affects the lower reproductive system such as the uterus, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. While many different types of bacteria can cause pelvic inflammatory diseases, can urinary tract infection (UTI) also lead to it? Let’s find out.

The link between UTI and pelvic inflammatory diseases

Urinary tract infection is proportional to pelvic inflammatory diseases as both affect a woman’s lower reproductive system. When the urinary bladder infection is left untreated, the infection spreads further affecting the reproductive organs such as the vagina or cervix, resulting in pelvic inflammatory diseases which require more time and more potent medications to control. Urinary tract infection is a condition where any part of the urinary system is infected which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

It is observed that symptoms of pelvic inflammatory diseases are similar to urinary tract infections. However, what differentiates them from each other is their severity and their long-term impact.

Watch out 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 the bacteria introduced by a sexually transmitted disease, inflammation occurs, resulting in intense pain which is more aggressive than regular menstrual cramps. If you experience intense cramping in your lower abdomen or pelvis especially if you aren’t menstruating, it is advised to consult a doctor to find out the cause.

2. Fever

Fever indicates that the body is fighting an infection. If you have a fever lasting more than a few days along with pelvic pain or vaginal discharge, it could be UTI.

3. Pain during sexual intercourse

If you experience pain during intercourse, it can either be an indication of a bladder infection or yeast infection however if infections are left untreated it may result in pelvic inflammatory disease which may pose long-term health problems.

4. Unusual vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is normal. However, if there is an excessive amount of discharge accompanied by an unusual odour, it could be a symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease. If you experience this, it is important to start the treatment before it reaches other reproductive organs.

5. Frequent painful urination

Painful urination is a symptom of a urinary bladder infection. If left untreated, the bladder infection gets worse and may travel into the uterus or ovaries, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. During the treatment, be transparent about the pain level because extreme pain is more likely a symptom of pelvic inflammatory diseases that needs more attention and a stronger dose of antibiotics than a bladder infection.

6. Irregular menstruation

Extra-long periods, spotting, heavy bleeding, or cramps throughout the month is a symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. Menstruation is accompanied by these, but if these symptoms are severe and hamper your daily activities, a proper check-up is required.

7. Rectum and lower back pain

Pelvic inflammatory disease is accompanied by intense 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 pain in your abdomen may result in nausea and vomiting since the body has low immunity to fight infections. If you experience fatigue along with the aforementioned symptoms, consulting with a doctor is beneficial to understand the exact cause.

Takeaway

It is important to understand that if symptoms are ignored, it may lead to long-term health complications hence it is important to consult a doctor if you experience any symptom regardless of the magnitude to be on the safer side.