Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This condition is very common and in many cases is asymptomatic (you are unaware of any symptoms). If symptoms are present they may include pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, temperature, pain with intercourse or non specific pelvic pain. The condition may also come to light if one is failing to fall pregnant. The most common cause is chlamydial infection but more rarely it is caused by gonorrhoea.

Diagnosis is usually made by swabs and treatment with antibiotics in a current infection. If symptoms persists after antibiotic treatment a laparoscopy is usually undertaken to investigate any damage to the pelvis and treat any adhesions (organs stuck together). In addition, if fertility is a problem and if the fallopian tubes are blocked at the end nearest to the ovary, these can can sometimes be unblocked by keyhole surgery.