A pelvic infection is a type of infectious disease that affects the female reproductive organs. It usually occurs when bacteria spread from the vagina to internal pelvic organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. These infections can sometimes develop as a result of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
However, various factors such as poor genital hygiene, incorrect use of birth control methods, or post-delivery infections can also lead to a pelvic infection. If the infection progresses, it can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, potentially leading to more serious health issues.
Common symptoms of a pelvic infection include lower abdominal pain, fever, excessive vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. If left untreated, the disease may become chronic and lead to long-term problems such as infertility. You can find every detail about this issue in this article.
What Are the Symptoms of a Pelvic Infection?
There are numerous symptoms of a pelvic infection. Each of them is explained in detail as follows:
Lower Abdominal Pain
One of the most common symptoms of a pelvic infection is pain felt in the lower abdomen. This pain is generally severe and constant. It may vary depending on the area of infection. It can feel like cramping or a sharp pain in the abdomen. This pain often intensifies over time and becomes so uncomfortable that it prevents a person from performing daily activities. All of this sensitivity in the pelvic area becomes more pronounced if the infection progresses without treatment.
Excessive Vaginal Discharge
A pelvic infection leads to abnormal changes in vaginal discharge. Excessive and foul-smelling vaginal discharge becomes a sign of infection. The discharge may be yellow, greenish, or brown in color, and the odor is usually unpleasant. An increase in discharge is a result of inflammation in the reproductive organs such as the vagina. The amount of discharge varies depending on the severity of the infection. It serves as a warning sign that treatment is necessary.
Fever and Chills
When the body’s immune system is fighting an infection, the infection will usually result in a fever. The body raises its temperature in an attempt to kill the microbes. This often leads to a fever above 38 degrees Celsius (100.4°F). In addition to fever, chills, shivering, or a sensation of freezing can occur. These symptoms should be seen as serious signs that the infection is spreading through the body and requires treatment.
Painful Intercourse and Painful Urination
A pelvic infection can affect the urinary tract, causing painful urination. A burning, painful, or uncomfortable sensation while urinating is one of the symptoms of the infection. Additionally, since the infection also affects the pelvic organs, pain may occur during sexual intercourse. This pain is usually caused by inflammation in the pelvic region and the sensitivity created in the sexual organs by the infection. Pain during urination or intercourse indicates that the infection has not yet reached a critical stage but still requires treatment. Nevertheless, it should be taken seriously.
Vomiting
As the pelvic infection spreads through the body, general illness symptoms gradually appear. Problems related to the digestive system, such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, arise as a result of the infection spreading through the body. The body affects the digestive system while trying to fight the infection, which leads to nausea. Vomiting is most commonly observed when the infection progresses. It increases fluid loss, making the situation more difficult. These symptoms indicate that the infection should not be allowed to progress without treatment and requires urgent intervention.
