Overview
If you feel symptoms of PID, see your healthcare provider right away. The sooner you get care, the greater your chances of successful treatment. There isn’t one specific test for PID. Usually, your healthcare provider can diagnose PID through:
- Asking about your medical history, including your general health, sexual activity and symptoms.
- A pelvic exam to examine your reproductive organs and feel for tenderness or abscesses (collections of pus).
- A vaginal culture to test your vaginal discharge for certain bacteria.
What other tests might I need to diagnose PID?
Your provider may also order:
- Blood tests.
- Urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection, which causes similar pelvic pain.
- Ultrasound to get clearer images of your reproductive system.
- Testing for STIs.
In some cases, your provider may recommend:
- Endometrial biopsy: Your provider removes a small tissue sample from your uterine lining and tests it for diseases.
- Laparoscopy: Your provider makes small incisions in your pelvis, then inserts a lighted instrument to look more closely at your reproductive organs.
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Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.
Prevention
Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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