Treatment
How is it treated?
PID
Doctors generally prescribe two antibiotics to combat the infection.
These have to be continued for at least two weeks. It is essential that the antibiotics are taken exactly as prescribed, and that the course of treatment is completed. The type of antibiotic may be prescribed empirically, or decided on the basis of the swab report, which as well as identifying the causative organism, will contain information on sensitivity and choice of appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Doctors usually advise women not to have sex while taking the medication, and until their partner has also been checked for infection. If he is infected, he will need a course of antibiotics too.
Any woman who has a severe attack of PID may be admitted to hospital for treatment with intravenous antibiotics, given through a drip in the arm. Very rarely surgery is needed when the infection does not get better with antibiotics. If the pain continues, and the woman is sure that she does not want to have any more children, a hysterectomy (removal of the womb and fallopian tubes) may be recommended, but this decision is not undertaken lightly.
The best way to prevent the sexually transmitted infections that usually cause PID is to practice safer sex, using a condom. Condoms offer protection for both women and men against most sexually transmitted infections. It is best not to use the coil for contraception after PID has been diagnosed.
Acute salpingitis
Treatment is with antibiotics, and the response is usually rapid. Surgery is rarely indicated.
Untreated or inadequately treated cases may settle down and become chronic, when inflammation and fibrosis may then block the fallopian tubes, leading to increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
Chronic salpingitis
Various treatments are available to relieve symptoms and complications. Local heat in the form of short wave diathermy can be used either alone or in combination with antibiotics. However, antibiotics tend to be less successful in the chronic form of the disease. Operative intervention may include the freeing of "adhesions" (fibrous bands) that form as the result of chronic inflammation, and the removal of diseased fallopian tubes.
Where possible operations should be avoided during acute flare-ups of the condition.
Amended June 2008
