Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) refers to an infection of the genitals.
It is the most prevalent among young women, affecting over 1 million women in the US.
But can men get PID? Or are they immune to developing such infections?
The answers to these questions are intricate and require more details than a simple yes or no.
In this article, we will answer these questions to address all your queries regarding Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in men.
Can Men Get Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
To answer simply- no, men cannot get Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
This is because PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, such as the fallopian tube and uterus.
Therefore, men cannot develop PID as they do not have the reproductive organs where the infection typically occurs.
However, it is worth noting that men can be potential carriers of this infection.
PID is caused when bacteria migrate from the vagina into the upper reproductive organs.
Hence, bacteria from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can lead to PID in women.
STD-infected men can transmit these bacteria to women through sexual contact.
In fact, men are more likely to observe the symptoms of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia as compared to women.
Also, some symptoms of these STDs may be similar to PID symptoms in their presentation.
If you wish to learn more about the connection between STDs such as Chlamydia and PID, Read “Chlamydia and PID: Understanding the Correlation.”
How to Detect Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Men
As discussed above, PID primarily affects women and involves inflammation of the female reproductive organs.
As men do not have the same anatomical structures as women, men cannot undergo PID diagnosis.
For the effective diagnosis in women, it is essential to look for the common symptoms of PID.
Common observable signs of PID, include:
- lower and upper abdomen pain
- fever
- painful sex
- painful urination
- irregular bleeding
- changes in vaginal discharge
- tiredness
- vomiting
- fainting
- a high fever
If a man experiences symptoms similar to these symptoms, it may indicate other medical conditions like a Urinary Tract Infection.
Hence, while men cannot contact PID, they must undergo regular testing to detect and treat other sexually transmitted diseases timely.
Advice:
Some women with PID do not show any symptoms; hence, relying solely on symptoms may not be sufficient. Consider undergoing proper diagnostic tests under a doctor’s guidance to test for PID.
Should men be treated for PID?
Men typically do not require treatment for PID.
However, since PID can be transmitted through sexual activity, both partners must undergo treatment if one of them is diagnosed with PID.
If the partners fail to receive treatment, it may lead to a recurrence of the infection.
The treatment for PID in women involves taking prescription-based antibiotics. In some severe cases, surgery may also be required.
Additionally, avoiding sexual interactions may be recommended until treatment is completed.
Caution:
Many STDs can progress without noticeable symptoms, and delayed treatment can heighten the risk of severe complications. Prioritize regular testing if you are sexually active.
Conclusion
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a common infection affecting women of reproductive age.
Due to the complexities of this disease, there is often curiosity about whether men can contract PID.
Men do not experience Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, as they lack the reproductive organs where this infection typically spreads.
However, men can carry STDs such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia that lead to PID in women.
Additionally, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in men does not result in the same symptoms of PID that women experience.
Therefore, any similar symptoms observed in men may indicate other sexual medical conditions.
Hence, it is important for both partners to get tested and treated for possible sexual infections to ensure optimum reproductive health.
