Women's Health Associates-Marquette,Michigan-Infectious Disease

P.I.D., or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, is an unfortunately all-too-common type of pelvic infection that can affect a woman's uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Today it is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. P.I.D. frequently begins after germs from a sexually transmitted disease pass through the cervix and spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing inflammation and possibly scarring of the upper reproductive tract. P.I.D. can also occur after a delivery or after gynecologic surgery. The diagnosis may be suspected through medical history and physical exam, but can be difficult to confirm. If suspected, treatment with antibiotics can be initiated and this can be an important step in preserving future fertility.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that is relatively common among teenagers and young adults. It is a type of bacteria. Chlamydia is a leading cause of infertility, which means the inability to become pregnant. A chlamydial infection can affect the quality of a man's sperm and cause blockage of a woman's fallopian tubes. Unfortunately, though chlamydia is easy to treat with antibiotics, most people with chlamydia have no symptoms to alert them to the possibility of infection. It is important for sexually active men and women to have routine screening for chlamydia at the time of physical exams. It is also important for men and women at risk to use safe sex techniques(like condoms), to reduce the risk of chlamydia exposure.

Genital Warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. These warts often appear as tiny bumps in the genital area. Like other types of warts, these are caused by a skin virus. Genital warts are highly contagious, but are fortunately very treatable---as long as both partners are examined and receive appropriate treatment. It is not uncommon for the warts to require multiple treatments before disappearing for good.

H.I.V., or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS. It is usually spread through sexual contact or by the sharing of needles to shoot illegal injectable drugs. An infected mother may pass the virus on to her baby during pregnancy, at the time of birth, or while breast feeding. Very rarely, contact with blood through open cuts or wounds, or splashes to the eyes, may also spread the virus. You cannot become infected with H.I.V. by donating or giving blood, or through casual contact.

The incidence of H.I.V. infection in American women is actually increasing despite intense public health efforts to educate people about ways to avoid H.I.V. infection. Because an H.I.V. positive pregnant woman has less of a chance of passing the AIDS virus to her unborn infant if she is treated with special drugs during her pregnancy, we recommend that all pregnant women seriously consider being tested for H.I.V. at the beginning of pregnancy.

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