Pelvic cellulitis
What is Pelvic Cellulitis?
Pelvic cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissues of the pelvis, located in the abdomen between the hip bones. It typically affects women, but it can occur in both men and women. Pelvic cellulitis commonly develops as a result of a complication of other conditions, including ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Untreated pelvic cellulitis can lead to serious complications such as organ failure, infertility, and even death.
Symptoms of Pelvic Cellulitis
The most common symptoms of pelvic cellulitis include:
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Redness or warmth in the pelvic area
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Diagnosis of Pelvic Cellulitis
Pelvic cellulitis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can closely resemble other medical conditions, such as ovarian cysts, PID, and STDs. Your doctor will likely use a combination of physical examinations, medical history, and laboratory tests to make a diagnosis. Some tests that may be ordered include:
- Urinalysis
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- Blood tests
Treatment of Pelvic Cellulitis
Treatment for pelvic cellulitis typically depends on the cause of the infection. In most cases, antibiotics are the primary treatment. Your doctor will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics that must be taken for an extended period of time, as long as several weeks. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for intravenous (IV) antibiotics and other treatments. Surgery is rarely needed to treat pelvic cellulitis.