Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Understanding Its Origins and Impact on Women's Health
Many patients often wonder, "I have always maintained proper hygiene, so why did I develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?" According to experts from 99 Health Network, factors such as unsafe sexual practices and repeated abortions can contribute to the onset of PID.
Young Women: The Most Affected by PID
Dr. Liu Juan, the head of the Gynecology Department at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, explains that pelvic inflammatory disease refers to inflammation of the female upper reproductive organs and surrounding tissues, primarily including endometritis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscesses, and pelvic peritonitis. This inflammation can be localized to one area or affect multiple sites simultaneously, with salpingitis and tubo-ovarian inflammation being the most common forms.
PID mostly occurs in sexually active women, particularly those who engage in frequent sexual activity, have multiple partners, or have partners with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Among this group, young women are significantly more affected than middle-aged women.
Dr. Liu states, "Today's young individuals often have a more open attitude towards sex and may engage in it excessively. This behavior can introduce outside bacteria into the vagina, disrupting the balance of normal flora — particularly Lactobacillus — leading to rapid bacterial growth and the onset of PID."
The Role of Hygiene in Preventing PID
According to Dr. Liu, poor hygiene during sexual activity is a critical cause of PID. Many young individuals are excited before engaging in sexual activities but overlook personal hygiene, rushing into intimacy. After frequent sexual encounters, they may neglect to urinate or clean up promptly, and some even engage in sex during menstruation, which can facilitate the ascending infection of bacteria into the pelvic area, triggering PID.
Due to a combination of excessive sexual activity and insufficient self-protection awareness, repeated abortions have become a common issue among many young women. Some individuals opt for unregulated, unhygienic, and unsafe abortion procedures in small clinics, which increases the risk of surgical residue or bacterial invasion, leading to infections of the internal reproductive organs, commonly resulting in PID, adnexitis, and endometritis.
The Connection Between Orgasm and PID Severity
In contrast to young women, many middle-aged women are concerned: "Could a lack of orgasm during sexual activity lead to gynecological issues?" Dr. Liu explains that due to the considerable volume changes in the pelvic area, pelvic veins can form complex networks, which, unlike arteries, lack elasticity and valves, making them prone to dilation and congestion.
"Some women (especially those in middle age) who do not achieve orgasm during sexual activity may experience prolonged sexual tension. This can lead to congestion in the reproductive organs, resulting in impaired blood flow in the pelvic veins," Dr. Liu indicates. If these women already have a history of pelvic inflammation, the condition can worsen, making recovery more challenging.
The Impact of PID on Fertility
Dr. Liu emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the risks of PID: "Every woman should take pelvic inflammatory disease seriously; unfortunately, many are unaware of its potential dangers." If PID is not treated promptly during its acute phase, it can gradually progress to chronic inflammation. In less severe cases, this may impact the quality of life; in severe cases, it can lead to fallopian tube adhesions and infertility.
"Approximately one-third of gynecological surgeries each month are due to infertility caused by untreated PID," explains Dr. Liu. Notably, on the day of the interview, out of the six gynecological surgeries she performed, two were related to infertility resulting from the legacy of pelvic inflammatory disease.
In summary, maintaining proper hygiene during sexual activity, being aware of safe practices, and seeking timely medical intervention are crucial in preventing pelvic inflammatory disease and its associated complications.