Symptoms of PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

Pelvic inflammatory disease may sometimes exist without causing any significant symptoms. Early stages of the disease are commonly associated with lower abdominal, or pelvic pain. This may occur in the midline, or on one side or both sides of the lower abdomen and pelvis. A mild fever may be present. Menstrual periods may start early or be excessively heavy. A vaginal discharge that is bad smelling and copious may develop. Sexual intercourse may be painful. Occasionally, there may be frequent, painful urination. Long standing infections of the reproductive organs can lead to infertility, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Worsening infections are associated with increasing severe lower abdominal pain. Abdominal swelling may occur. The temperature becomes much more elevated. It the infection spreads in the abdominal cavity, peritonitis can occur. This can lead to shock, with rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, pallor and sweating.