Antibiotics for sinus Infection

Antibiotics for pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a term used to describe inflammation or infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries (female pelvic organs). PID is usually caused by a bacterial infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Scarring from pelvic infection is a common cause of ongoing (chronic) pelvic pain and infertility. It may also increase a woman's risk of having an ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which the fertilized egg attaches to an area outside of the uterus.

Women who have had PID once are more likely to have repeated pelvic infections.

PID may not cause any symptoms. But when symptoms occur, they may include:

    * Lower abdominal pain.
    * Fever.
    * A vague feeling of body weakness or discomfort (malaise).
    * Pelvic pain/vaginal discharge.

Women with symptoms of a possible pelvic infection are advised to avoid sexual intercourse until they are evaluated by a health professional. This reduces the risk of spreading a possible infection to a sex partner.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is often caused by a combination of different types of bacteria, so a combination (regimen) of medications is used to treat the infection. Treatment changes as new medications are developed or as the bacteria that cause the infection become resistant to old medications. Treatment guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend one of the following regimens. (If you live in California or Hawaii, or you or your partner have recently traveled abroad, see regimen B.)

How It Works

Antibiotics kill the various bacteria that cause PID.

Why It Is Used

Antibiotics are used if you have one or more signs of PID and you are at risk for PID.

    * There is recent onset of lower pelvic tenderness or pain, especially if it is on both sides.
    * There is recent onset of pain or tenderness when the fallopian tubes or ovaries are touched or moved during examination.
    * There is pain or tenderness when the cervix is moved during examination.

Not all women who have PID will have pelvic pain. This is why many experts say that women should be treated for PID if they are at risk for PID and have pain when the cervix is moved, especially if there is an abnormal cervical discharge.

How Well It Works

Antibiotic treatment kills the bacteria causing PID. The risks of a future tubal pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy), ongoing (chronic) pelvic pain, and infertility are less if you start treatment early.

Side Effects

The common side effects of the antibiotics recommended for PID include:

    * Nausea or vomiting.
    * Diarrhea.
    * Rash.
    * Headache.
    * Fatigue.
    * Dizziness.
    * Yeast infection.

Each antibiotic medication for PID may have specific side effects or interactions with other medications.

If side effects from the medication treatment occur, report them to your health professional. Other antibiotics may be prescribed that cause fewer side effects.

What To Think About

Antibiotics can prevent PID complications when started early and when all the medication is taken.

Tell your health professional if you think you might be pregnant. Some antibiotics are not recommended during pregnancy.

A follow-up examination should be performed 2 to 3 days after you start treatment. You should have less pain and tenderness during an abdominal and pelvic exam. Follow-up exams at 7 to 10 days and 4 to 6 weeks are usually recommended to make sure treatment is successful.

If your symptoms have not improved, your health professional may try another medication regimen or look for other possible causes of your symptoms, including ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, pelvic abscess, or endometriosis.