Patient's question:
Does pelvic inflammatory disease cause infertility? Recently, I heard that pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to infertility. Is that true?Doctor's answer:
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease is most commonly characterized by bilateral tubal inflammation. Over time, this can lead to partial or complete occlusion of the tubal orifices, particularly the end that receives the egg (known as the fimbriae). It can also cause adhesions in the inner lining of the fallopian tubes due to inflammation, narrowing or blocking the lumen. This hinders the passage of eggs, sperm, or fertilized eggs, resulting in infertility.Vaginal discharge may turn yellow. In severe cases of pelvic inflammation, it can spread to the pelvic peritoneum, the uterus, and the tissues surrounding the cervix, ultimately causing these organs and tissues to harden and become immobile. Especially, the fallopian tubes lose their soft, motile physiological function, becoming stiff and twisted, with the lumen completely blocked to the point of being incurable.