Complications of an STD in women

Content provided by Healthwise

Complications of an STD in women

A sexually active woman with symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) may be at risk for a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a broad term used to describe inflammation or infection of the reproductive organs . PID is usually caused by bacterial infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea or often both. Women who have PID are more likely to have repeated pelvic infections.

Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID may not cause any symptoms. When all or most of these symptoms develop suddenly, they may be a sign of PID:

• Lower abdominal pain that is worse than your usual menstrual discomfort
• Abnormal or unexpected vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain that is worse during intercourse
• Vaginal discharge that smells bad
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting

Complications of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Infertility, by blocking the fallopian tubes with scar tissue
• An ectopic pregnancy. This can happen when a fallopian tube is partially blocked by scar tissue.
• A pelvic abscess
• Chronic pelvic pain

If you have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place and get an STD, you are more likely to develop PID.

Pregnant women

STDs in pregnant women may cause problems such as:

• Miscarriage.
• Low birth weight.
• Premature delivery.
• Infections in their newborn baby, such as pneumonia, eye infections, or nervous system problems. These infections may threaten the life of your baby or cause serious long-term problems or disabilities.

Credits

Last updated:	February 09, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer