Question 1

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is most commonly caused by the sexually transmitted bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test is the most important test for diagnosing PID because it identifies the primary bacterial causes.

Question 2

What causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is caused by sexually transmitted bacteria, primarily Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These bacteria initially infect the cervix and vagina, then ascend into the upper reproductive organs including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. While chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common culprits, other bacteria from the vaginal flora can sometimes contribute to PID, especially when multiple organisms are present or when the normal protective barriers of the reproductive system are compromised.

Question 3

What is the best test for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Accepted Answer

The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test is the most important test for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease because it detects Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the two primary bacterial causes of PID. This test identifies the specific pathogens responsible for the infection, allowing healthcare providers to prescribe targeted antibiotic therapy. The CA-125 test can serve as a supplementary marker to assess the extent of inflammatory activity in the pelvic region and monitor treatment response, though it is less specific for PID diagnosis. Early identification of these bacteria through testing is essential for preventing long-term complications like infertility and chronic pelvic pain.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience pelvic or lower abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge with an abnormal color or odor, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, or pain during sex. Testing is especially important if you have had unprotected sex with a new partner or multiple partners, or if a sexual partner has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. Women under 25 who are sexually active should consider regular screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea even without symptoms, as these infections often have no obvious signs but can still progress to PID.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms of PID include lower abdominal or pelvic pain that ranges from mild to severe, abnormal vaginal discharge that may be yellow or green with a foul odor, and painful urination. You might also experience irregular menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, or pain in the lower back or thighs. However, some women with PID have mild or no symptoms at all, which is why the infection can go undetected and cause serious damage to the reproductive organs before being diagnosed.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Accepted Answer

Women who are sexually active and under age 25 are at highest risk for PID, as they have higher rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. Your risk increases if you have multiple sexual partners, have sex without condoms, have a history of PID or sexually transmitted infections, use douching which can push bacteria upward into the reproductive organs, or have recently had an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted. Having a sexual partner who has untreated STIs or multiple partners also significantly increases your risk of developing PID.

Question 7

What happens if Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can cause permanent damage to the female reproductive organs through scarring and adhesion formation. The most serious complication is infertility, which affects about 1 in 8 women with a history of PID due to scarring that blocks the fallopian tubes. Other complications include chronic pelvic pain that can last for months or years, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, and the formation of abscesses in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. The risk of these complications increases with each episode of PID, making early detection and treatment critical.

Question 8

Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

While PID diagnosis typically requires a clinical examination and assessment of symptoms, blood tests play an essential role in identifying the bacterial infections that cause PID. The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test detects the presence of the two most common bacteria responsible for PID, confirming the underlying infection. Additional blood work may show elevated white blood cell counts or inflammatory markers that indicate an active infection. However, a definitive PID diagnosis usually combines positive test results with clinical findings like pelvic tenderness during examination, as some women may have bacterial infections without developing full PID.

Question 9

How is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is treated with antibiotics that target the bacteria causing the infection, typically a combination of medications to cover both chlamydia and gonorrhea as well as other potential bacteria. Treatment usually involves oral antibiotics taken for 14 days, though severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Your sexual partner must also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection, and you should abstain from sexual activity until both you and your partner have completed treatment and symptoms have resolved. Follow-up testing is important to ensure the infection has cleared, and early treatment significantly reduces the risk of long-term complications.

Question 10

How can I prevent Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to prevent PID is to practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly with every sexual encounter, which significantly reduces your risk of contracting chlamydia and gonorrhea. Limit your number of sexual partners and choose partners who have been tested for STIs. Get regular screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea if you are sexually active and under 25 or have risk factors like new or multiple partners. Avoid douching, as it disrupts the natural bacterial balance in your vagina and can push bacteria upward into your reproductive organs. If you are diagnosed with an STI, complete the full course of antibiotics and ensure your partner is also treated.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease symptoms?

Accepted Answer

While PID requires antibiotic treatment from a healthcare provider, you can manage symptoms at home by taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pelvic pain and fever. Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen to help ease cramping and discomfort. Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection, and stay well-hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Avoid sexual activity until you and your partner have completed treatment and been cleared by a healthcare provider. Keep in mind that home remedies only provide symptom relief and do not cure the underlying bacterial infection, so prompt medical treatment with antibiotics is essential to prevent serious complications.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Blood Test

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

What causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

What is the best test for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

When should I get tested for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

References

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