Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is often caused by the presence of bacteria in a woman’s vagina or cervix and into the reproductive organs. While it can be caused by different types of bacteria, this disease is often associated with the sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhea and chlamydia.

While pelvic inflammatory disease can be treated with antibiotics, serious damage can be done to the female reproductive organs. Therefore, it is very important for sexually active women to have regular STD testing performed and consult a professional upon experiencing pelvic or lower abdominal pain.

Pelvic pain clinic San Francisco experts, for example, work with patients that suffer from pelvic pain in order to optimize pelvic health for both pre- and postpartum women.

Besides pelvic and lower abdominal pains, other symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease includes fever, pain while urinating, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, and pain during intercourse.

While information and education is widely available about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases, many parents worry about their children when they go to college and in a new environment where there alcohol is widely available and parties are occurring frequently.

Furthermore, sexually active women under age 25 have a higher risk of developing PID because their cervix is not fully matured and as a result is more susceptible to STDS that cause PID. Talking with teens and college-aged students and encouraging them to visit their college health center is a good way to help them make educated choices about their health.

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