PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE
PROBLEM
You have been diagnosed as having pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This inflammation can involve the uterus, tubes, ovaries, and all areas in your pelvis.
CAUSE
Organisms that go up from the vagina and cervix into the uterus cause PID. The two most common with PID are Chlamydia and gonorrhoeae.
PREVENTION
A.Condoms and a spermicidal foam or cream with nonoxynol 9 are protective against PID.
B.Condoms must be used with every sexual intercourse.
C.Vaginal douching may lead to an increased risk for PID; routine douching is not recommended.
D.The more sex partners you have, the greater the chances are of contracting sexually transmitted infections.
TREATMENT
A.Your partner(s) need(s) to be evaluated and treated with antibiotic therapy, too.
B.Sexual abstinence:
1.You should not have sex until all of your symptoms are gone and your partner(s) has (have) completed antibiotic therapy.
2.If you do have sex, you should use condoms consistently.
Activity: Limit yourself to bedrest for about 3 to 4 days, then you can be active as tolerated.
Diet:
A.You need to drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of liquid every day.
B.You need to eat a well-balanced diet (three meals).
C.If you have been prescribed Flagyl (metronidazole), you must avoid all alcohol ingestion for at least 2 days after the last dose or you will have severe nausea and vomiting.
Medications:
A.You will be prescribed two or more antibiotics; it is extremely important to take all of the antibiotics.
B.You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever.
C.You may be prescribed some pain medication.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
Take all of your antibiotics, even if you feel better.
Your Second Prescribed Antibiotic Is: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You need to take all of both antibiotics, even if you feel better.
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.Your fever does not get better after taking Tylenol.
B.Your symptoms worsen, even while taking both antibiotics.
C.You vomit or cannot tolerate your antibiotics.
D.You must return to the office 2 or 3 days after the antibiotics have been started for a repeat examination, or if you are unable to return for your follow-up office visit.
E.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Next Appointment: Date ______________ Time ______________
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