Patient's question:
I often have a vague pain in my lower left abdomen. After walking for a long time, the pain becomes quite noticeable. When I went to the hospital for a check-up, the doctor diagnosed me with acute pelvic inflammatory disease and recommended hospitalization for treatment. I am 24 years old and married, but currently do not have any children. I had no sexual experience before the age of 22, nor do I have a history of miscarriage or uterine scraping. My husband and I have been living apart for many years, and we only have sexual intercourse a few times every six months. Additionally, I pay great attention to hygiene and cleanliness every day. So why would I still have acute pelvic inflammatory disease?Doctor's answer:
Hello, the causes of pelvic inflammatory disease include:(1) Postpartum or miscarriage infection: After childbirth or miscarriage, patients may have a weakened constitution, and the cervix has not fully closed after dilation. Bacteria present in the vagina and cervix may ascend to infect the pelvic cavity. If there is residual placenta or fetal membrane in the uterine cavity, the risk of infection is even higher.
(2) Infection after gynecological surgery: During procedures such as induced abortion, intrauterine device insertion or removal, tubal irrigation, tubal, polypectomy, or submucosal fibroid removal, if sterilization is not strict or if there is pre-existing chronic inflammation of the reproductive system, postoperative infection may occur. Some patients may also develop pelvic inflammatory disease if they neglect personal hygiene after surgery or engage in sexual activity without following medical advice, allowing bacteria to ascend and infect the pelvic cavity.
(3) Lack of hygiene during menstruation: During menstruation, the endometrium is shed, blood sinuses in the uterine cavity are open, and blood clots are present, creating a favorable environment for bacterial growth. If hygiene is not maintained during menstruation, using substandard sanitary pads or toilet paper, or engaging in sexual activity, can provide bacteria with the opportunity for retrograde infection, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease.
(4) Spread of inflammation from adjacent organs: The most common cause is appendicitis or peritonitis, as these conditions are adjacent to the female reproductive organs. Inflammation can spread directly to the pelvic cavity, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. Chronic cervical inflammation can also spread through the lymphatic system, leading to pelvic connective tissue inflammation.