Pelvic cellulitis caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection
.What is Pelvic Cellulitis Caused by Anaerobic Bacterial Infection?
Pelvic cellulitis is a serious type of infection that affects the pelvic tissue. It is caused by anaerobic bacteria that live in the vagina, rectum, and bladder. The result of this infection can be severe and can cause life-threatening complications. The most common symptoms include fever, pain in the abdomen or pelvis, and a general feeling of being ill.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of pelvic cellulitis may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
- Pain during urination or intercourse
- Difficulty passing urine
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase a person's risk of developing pelvic cellulitis, such as:
- Having unprotected sexual intercourse
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having a history of pelvic infection in the past
- Being pregnant or recently giving birth
- Having diabetes
- Having abnormal cells in the cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or CIN)
Complications
If left untreated, pelvic cellulitis can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Sepsis, a life-threatening condition in which your body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs
- Abscesses, or collections of pus in the abdomen or pelvis
- Hematomas, or collections of blood in the pelvic tissue
- Adhesions, or abnormal bands of scar tissue that can cause organs to stick together
- Infertility
Diagnosis
To diagnose pelvic cellulitis, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. They may also order laboratory tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, or cultures of pelvic discharge. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, may also be used to determine the severity of the infection.
Treatment
The treatment for pelvic cellulitis depends on the severity of the infection. In most cases, the treatment involves antibiotics, often administered through an IV (intravenous) line. Surgery may be necessary if there are abscesses or hematomas that need to be drained.
If you think you may have pelvic cellulitis, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.