Patient's question:
Can pelvic inflammatory disease cause menstrual disorders? I have pelvic inflammatory disease. Can pelvic inflammatory disease cause menstrual disorders? Why does this happen?Doctor's answer:
The number of patients visiting the gynecology clinic is increasing, with the majority suffering from dysmenorrhea, excessive menstrual flow, and frequent menstruation. There are several causes of dysmenorrhea, with pelvic infection being one of the most significant. Long-term inflammation can affect the shedding, regeneration, and repair of the endometrium, as well as the contraction of uterine blood vessels, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, excessive menstrual flow, prolonged bleeding during menstruation, or irregular vaginal bleeding. Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) includes chronic endometritis, chronic salpingitis and oophoritis, chronic pelvic peritonitis, and chronic pelvic connective tissue inflammation. Regardless of whether multiple infections coexist or occur alone, they can all cause menstrual disorders. For example, with chronic endometritis, long-term inflammation affects the shedding, regeneration, and repair of the endometrium, as well as the contraction of uterine blood vessels, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, excessive menstrual flow, prolonged bleeding during menstruation, or irregular vaginal bleeding. With chronic salpingitis and oophoritis, inflammation affects ovarian function, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, excessive menstrual flow, and prolonged periods. Chronic pelvic peritonitis and chronic pelvic connective tissue inflammation can cause pelvic congestion due to inflammation, potentially leading to excessive menstrual flow or frequent menstruation during periods. Statistics show that the number of dysmenorrhea patients visiting clinics is increasing, accounting for about 20% of total clinic visits. Pelvic infection is one of the main causes of dysmenorrhea. Pelvic infection refers to inflammation of the female reproductive organs and surrounding connective tissues, as well as the pelvic peritoneum. It is a common gynecological disease, with severe cases potentially leading to diffuse peritonitis or septic shock, while mild cases may persist and recur, causing pain to patients and affecting their physical and mental health. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the prevention and treatment of pelvic inflammation.Why are some women more susceptible to pelvic infection? There are several possible reasons: postpartum or post-abortion weakness, an unproperly closed cervix, prolonged bleeding, or retained tissue; lack of hygiene during menstruation, such as using unclean menstrual pads or having sexual intercourse during periods, can all allow pathogens to invade and cause infection. It is worth noting that in the early 1980s, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) resurfaced in China. In 1996, the country reported 390,900 cases with an incidence rate of 33.94 per 100,000. If left untreated, these can lead to severe pelvic infection. Once pelvic infection occurs, symptoms may include chills, fever, loss of appetite, lower back pain, increased vaginal discharge, and other symptoms depending on the severity and extent of the inflammation. If abscesses form, they may press on the bladder and rectum, causing symptoms such as rectal fullness, frequent urination, and more. These symptoms often worsen after exertion, sexual intercourse, or around menstruation. Medical examination may reveal cervical motion tenderness, uterine tenderness, and adnexal masses. Since pelvic infection can affect women both physiologically and psychologically, it is important to seek medical attention promptly if any of these symptoms are present. Do not self-medicate to avoid delaying treatment and worsening the condition. Under the guidance of a doctor, medication can be used based on drug sensitivity tests to prevent the development of drug-resistant strains. Abdominal physical therapy can improve pelvic blood circulation, enhance tissue nutrition, and boost metabolism.
As the saying goes, "Three parts treatment, seven parts care," and this applies to pelvic inflammation as well. Women can improve their disease resistance by maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, balancing work and rest, and practicing good menstrual hygiene. Public health education should be vigorously promoted to reduce premarital sex and abortions, with the aim of lowering the incidence of pelvic infection.