Am I to Blame for PID Treatment Issues?
Age: 29 Nationality: Indian American Height: 5'3" Weight: 128 lbs For the past year, I've been grappling with a pelvic infection. Initially, I was prescribed doxycycline for one week, which successfully eliminated the CT and Ureaplasma bacteria. In the following three months, I underwent testing on three different occasions and received negative results across the board. Despite that, I continued to deal with troubling symptoms, including an excessive watery discharge and persistent pelvic pain. Despite my pleas for treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), my requests were declined due to the negative lab results. Eventually, someone who was empathetic to my situation prescribed me a course of doxycycline for two weeks, along with a week’s supply of metronidazole. I also utilized an additional week of metronidazole that was repeatedly offered to me, even though my bacterial vaginosis tests continued to come back negative. During the PID treatment, I did engage in sexual activity, but both my partner and I tested negative for any infections. Could having sex during the treatment have hindered its effectiveness? I am still facing discomfort during intercourse, experience pain during ovulation (which is a new symptom for me), and occasionally feel strange pulling sensations in my pelvic area.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 4:01:21 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a difficult journey with your pelvic health, grappling with symptoms and treatment responses. It’s understandable to feel concerned about your situation and to wonder if your actions may have influenced the outcomes.
Main Points:
- Infection Treatment: Continuing symptoms after treatment can happen, and sexual activity during treatment typically does not hinder effectiveness but may need further evaluation.
- Persistent Symptoms: Your discomfort and new symptoms could suggest that other factors, such as inflammation or pelvic floor issues, are at play.
Explanation:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can be complex, as various factors contribute to symptoms even when lab tests return negative. It's not unusual for someone to continue feeling unwell despite treatment, as some infections or inflammatory conditions may not be easily detectable with standard tests. Engaging in sexual activity during treatment usually does not affect the effectiveness of antibiotics, provided no new infections are introduced. However, your ongoing pelvic pain and discomfort during intercourse, especially with new symptoms, warrant further attention.
Next Steps:
- Document Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track your pain levels, discharge changes, and any specific triggers related to your cycle or intercourse. This information can be very helpful for healthcare providers.
- Reassess with a Healthcare Professional: Seek a follow-up consultation with a gynecologist or a specialist in pelvic health. Ensure to communicate all your symptoms and previous treatments clearly.
- Consider Non-Infectious Causes: Discuss the possibility of non-infectious pelvic pain causes, such as endometriosis or pelvic floor dysfunction, as these may require different management strategies.
- Self-Care Techniques: In the meantime, try to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or gentle stretching, to alleviate some discomfort. Avoiding irritants like soaps or scented products near the genital area can also be beneficial.
It’s important to advocate for your health and seek answers until you find a resolution. You're not to blame for these complications, and there are avenues to explore for relief. Let me know if you need further tips or information.
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