Is It Menstrual Cramps Or Something Else?
Being a woman can be a challenge, especially when that time of the month arrives. Fatigue, mood swings, and bloating are common, along with the usual pelvic pain. Unfortunately, not all cramps are as innocent as menstruation. Mild to severe pelvic pain could also indicate an infection called pelvic inflammatory disease. As with many illnesses, early detection is vital for successful treatment. Unfortunately, most women don’t detect the condition until severe reproductive damage has occurred. So how can a woman tell what’s happening?
Are these cramps normal?
Women usually experience cramps or dysmenorrhea when the uterus contracts during menstruation, stimulating blood flow. Menstruation is different for every woman, but many share some pelvic discomfort before, during, and after the period. Sometimes, the pain could mean something much more than the norm. If menstrual cramps increase over time and affect the quality of life, this is a cause for concern. Look for other symptoms like fever, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness, which could be a sign of PID.
All about pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection of a woman’s upper reproductive organs. There are many causes, including douching, untreated STIs, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) in rare cases. PID is more common in sexually active women under 25 with multiple sex partners. The condition is not an STD, but untreated STDs can lead to PID. Although the infection is treatable, long-term effects like scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes make this condition very serious. If it remains untreated, it can eventually lead to infertility.
Cramps vs PID
Unfortunately, many women mistake the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease for menstrual cramps, as there are similarities. Common symptoms of PID are intense pelvic pain, unusual vaginal bleeding between periods, and vaginal discharge with an odor. Other symptoms include fever, painful urination, an upset stomach with or without vomiting, and pain during intercourse. If a woman has any combination of these symptoms, an OB/GYN must do a pelvic exam. The doctor should also test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other infections that can lead to PID.
Treating your PID
Several types of antibiotic treatments can help with PID. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and the severity. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can reverse the pelvic damage caused. Long-term effects can include pelvic scarring, ectopic pregnancies, prolonged pelvic pain, and infertility. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Please visit a doctor or OB/GYN if for the proper treatment.
Look for other symptoms and take action
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection of a woman’s reproductive organs. Both PID and menstrual cramps come with some pelvic pain. However, PID pain can be intense. PID responds to antibiotic treatments. However, long-term effects like pelvic scarring can lead to infertility. Speak to a doctor if there are any symptoms, including increased menstrual pain, bleeding between periods, fever, or nausea.