PID OR ENDO?

[Endo2018]

Hi I’m really hoping someone can help,

I went to my local GP last week after having sever cramps in my lower left abdomen and also bleeding. There is a very strong family history of endometriosis in my family, my mother mum, gran, aunties and cousins all have it. I have been on the progesterone only pill (Cerelle/Cerezette) for 6/7 years, previously I was on the combined pill but was taken off that due to migraines. However I’ve never had any issues with periods while taken my pill until three weeks ago. I was told I had to have internal examinations, swabs and blood tests. Swabs are clear so STI’s have been ruled out and just waiting on blood results. They have started me on a two week antibiotic course of metronidazole and Ofloxacin to treat me for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. I’m 6 days into my antibiotics and the pains are still there, is this normal to still have the pains? I was told to double up my pill and have done so the bleeding stopped after 4 days. I’m also being referred for scans but unsure when that will be. I also had a miscarriage in February of this year and have been told that might be the cause of the PID? My brain is so confused with all the unknowns around this and I’m still waiting on seeing a specialty who can or can’t diagnose me with endometriosis as there hasn’t been one made yet.

Thanks for any help or advice!

Xx

[Fitzy3121]

Hi. I have chronic PID as a result of the coil and suspected endometriosis. PID suggested some sort of infection (not necessarily a STD). If your swabs were completely clear that doesn't quite match up.

However, if it's a PID episode then antibiotics are often quite helpful. If they are not working I would go back to the GP.

I had a severe episode of PID around 2 years ago requiring surgery and I still have pains from that so can't really answer how long your pains might last.

I would start tracking your symptoms (if you don't already) as this will help to inform the doctor that treats you.

Happy to answer questions based on my experience if I can

[Giraffe92]

I'd continue with your antibiotics and keep a log of your symptoms, then after your course is finished go back to the GP. I was also diagnosed with PID for pelvic pain, took the antibiotics and there was no difference in pain, it was only then after years of symptoms that they started the investigation for endo which was found. But at least you can say you have ruled out PID by finishing the course and will be able to have it ruled out and logged on the GPs system for future reference

[Sunflower-girl]

I had the same thing happen so I am bitter a all hell about it.

PID is likely not the cause but it’s what’s treatable So they just keep you on antibiotics for ages .

My GP kept me on antibiotics long after they knew I couldn’t have PID, which another dr referred to as torture (I’m very sensitive and vomit/am allergic to many antibiotics).

If you don’t have a temperature, sti- all clear and your blood work is fine then it’s almost definitely not PID. Please ask for a gynae referral or go to a sexual health clinic. You’ll want a referral to see a gynaecology consultant who can start the investigative process.

(I’ve had severe pain for 3 months and am awaiting a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy).

[Hannah_w1990]

Hi

I have endometriosis but it doesnt necessarily sound like what you're describing to be honest. It is usually severe cramps and heavy menstrual bleeding or long periods so that's similar but I'm not sure why they've put you on all those treatments. I'd suggest you mention the history of endometriosis and ask to be referred for a laparoscopy. If it is endo the treatment is typically a progestogen only pill to reduce bleeding. So if you're bleeding like that on the pill I don't know if it is endo, because the pill stops my periods. I'm on noriday because I find it better than cerazette. Good luck