The concept of Women's Health is as broad as the technological advances in surgery, treatment and diagnostics.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
It is estimated that one in seven women suffer from this pathology, which is caused in 40% of cases by a chlamydial infection. Also known as a silent disease, it is characterised by the fact that it is asymptomatic until, when it is diagnosed, it has already caused damage to the woman. The consequences of chlamydia are chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
The concepts of self-care, prevention and early diagnosis of illnesses have become more and more popular among women.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the upper female reproductive organs (the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries).
- Pelvic inflammatory disease is often transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
- Pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge and irregular vaginal bleeding are usually present.
- Diagnosis is based on symptoms, analysis of cervical and vaginal secretions, and sometimes ultrasound.
- Having sex with only one partner and using condoms reduces the risk of infection.
- Antibiotic treatment can clear the infection.
DIAGNOSIS
Pelvic inflammatory disease is suspected if a woman feels pain in the lower abdomen or has unexplained vaginal discharge, especially if she is of childbearing age. A physical examination including a gynaecological examination is performed. The appearance of pain in the pelvic area during the examination supports the diagnosis.
- A sample of the cervix is usually taken with a swab and tested to determine if the woman has a chlamydia infection. Even if these tests do not detect an infection, women may still have pelvic inflammatory disease.
- A pregnancy test is performed to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which could be the cause of the symptoms. If pain prevents an adequate physical examination, or if more information is needed, a pelvic ultrasound is performed. This test can detect abscesses in the fallopian tubes or ovaries, as well as an ectopic pregnancy.
All recent sexual partners should be tested for chlamydia infection and, if necessary, treated.
At Ginecenter we believe that prevention and early diagnosis is essential to achieve a full recovery.
