GYNAECOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Infections

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are very common infections in the female population. The commonest time to experience a urinary infection is in pregnancy or in the older age group but they can occur at any time. The main symptom is pain on passing urine and sometimes blood is seen in the urine. A urine sample can be sent to the laboratory to check for infection and a reliable result can be obtained. This urine sample can determine which particular antibiotics are best used to treat this urine infection. If a urine infection is left untreated then it can spread up the urinary tract and affect the kidneys. It is therefore important to treat a urinary tract infection early.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is increasing, especially in the younger age group. Sexually transmitted organisms such as Chlamydia and Gonococcus are increasing in prevalence. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is usually an infection of the fallopian tubes but it can also involve the uterus and the ovaries if it becomes severe. It usually affects both sides. Most patients present with a vaginal discharge which is smelly and pain in the pelvis. On examination they are tender in the pelvis. A swab can be taken to check for different organisms and appropriate antibiotics given.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can cause damage to the fallopian tubes which result in infertility later in life. Most pelvic infections are readily detected because the patient presents with symptoms. However, it is possible to have a Chlamydial infection without realising. Fortunately, Chlamydia is always sensitive to doxycyline antibiotic but it can cause some damage to the fallopian tubes it is present for some time without the patient realising.