Pelvic Infections
Helping young women overcome the confusion, discomfort and pain associated with pelvic infections.
The adolescent gynecology providers at Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center in Omaha and Council Bluffs understand a young woman’s concerns and are sensitive to her health issues. We take the time to listen and explain pelvic issues and their symptoms.
Vaginitis
Bacteria, yeast, viruses, chemicals in care products and organisms passed between sexual partners can cause what is known as vaginitis. Vaginitis is an irritation of the vaginal skin and/or surrounding structures. A disturbance in any of these factors can trigger vaginitis.
Common types of vaginitis include:
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Candida or “yeast” infection
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Bacterial vaginosis
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Trichomoniasis vaginitis
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Chlamydia
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Gonococcal vaginitis
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Noninfectious vaginitis
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact.
The best prevention of an STD is to abstain from any type of sexual contact with another person. However, if your adolescent becomes sexually active or is currently sexually active, there are precautionary measures to help reduce your adolescent’s risk of developing a sexually transmitted disease. These include:
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Having a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner.
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Using a male latex or female polyurethane condom.
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Using sterile needles if injecting intravenous drugs.
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Delaying sexual relationships as long as possible.
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Having regular checkups for HIV and STDs.
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Seeking medical help as soon as symptoms of a STD develops.
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Avoiding sexual intercourse during menstruation.
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Avoiding anal intercourse, or using a male latex condom and topical microbicides.
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Avoiding vaginal douching.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Some STDs can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to both infertility and ectopic pregnancy. When diagnosed early, many STDs can be successfully treated.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive system. In most cases, it occurs when bacteria from the STD in the vagina or cervix move into the uterus and upper genital tract. The most common organisms that lead to PID are gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Untreated PID can damage the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus, which can lead to chronic pelvic pain and serious damage to the reproductive system.
The good news is that PID symptoms can be diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. The essential part is to detect it before it leads to serious health problems. Symptoms may include:
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Abnormal vaginal discharge, possibly with an odor
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Pain during urination or frequent urination
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Aching pain in the lower abdomen
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Pain in the upper abdomen or frequent urination
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Fever and chills
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Nausea and vomiting
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Irregular menstrual bleeding
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Pain during sex
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Fatigue
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Diarrhea
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Back pain
A teen who is being treated for PID also should be tested for other STDs and should be encouraged to discuss sexual activity with their gynecologist or trusted adult.