How to prepare for a video visit about Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause pain and other symptoms. If you or your child are preparing for a video visit to discuss PID, this guide will help you get ready. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, medical history, and may suggest tests or treatments. Telemedicine can be a useful way to start care, especially when visiting a clinic is difficult. However, some symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation. Preparing for your video visit by gathering information and understanding what to expect can help the appointment go smoothly. Remember, this guide is for education and triage only, not for diagnosis or treatment advice. Always seek emergency care if symptoms worsen or become severe.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe lower abdominal pain that worsens quickly — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (over 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills — call emergency services or go to a hospital.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or sudden fainting — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and medical history review.
• Providing education about PID and its symptoms.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care or emergency services.
• Prescribing medications when appropriate and safe to do remotely.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical pelvic examination to confirm diagnosis.
• Collecting laboratory samples such as vaginal swabs or blood tests.
• Imaging tests like ultrasounds.
• Emergency interventions for severe symptoms.

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

PID is an infection that affects the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It often results from untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but can also occur after surgery or childbirth. Symptoms may include lower belly pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain during urination or sex. Early care is important to prevent complications.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, medical history, and any recent sexual activity or infections. They may guide you through a visual check if possible and discuss the need for lab tests, such as urine or vaginal swabs, which usually require an in-person visit. The provider will explain possible treatment options and next steps.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

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When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If you or your child experience any of the following, seek emergency care right away:

These signs may indicate a serious infection or complication.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to talk with a healthcare provider from home. It can help start the conversation about symptoms and guide you on whether further tests or in-person care are needed. It is especially useful when travel or clinic visits are difficult. However, some exams and tests cannot be done remotely.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a private, quiet place for the video call.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Have information ready about any medications or allergies.
• Be ready to discuss recent sexual activity and past infections honestly.
• Have paper and pen ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Complete any prescribed medications fully, even if symptoms improve.
• Schedule any recommended in-person tests or follow-up visits.
• Watch for worsening symptoms or new red flags and seek care if they occur.
• Practice safe sex and discuss prevention with your provider if applicable.

FAQs

Can PID be treated through a video visit?

Telemedicine can help start treatment by discussing symptoms and prescribing antibiotics if appropriate. However, some tests and physical exams usually require an in-person visit.

What if I feel too embarrassed to talk about symptoms?

Healthcare providers are trained to discuss sensitive topics respectfully and confidentially. Being honest helps ensure you get the best care.

How soon should I have a video visit if I think I have PID?

It’s best to have a visit as soon as possible after symptoms start to prevent complications. If symptoms are severe, seek emergency care immediately.

Can PID affect future fertility?

If untreated, PID can cause damage to reproductive organs and increase the risk of infertility. Early treatment helps reduce this risk.

What can I do to prevent PID?

Using condoms, getting regular STI testing, and seeking prompt treatment for infections can help prevent PID.

Sources

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - CDC Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for education and triage only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If symptoms worsen or become severe, seek emergency medical attention promptly.