To be worried about an STI

[MeredithGrey1]

Sorry, posting here for traffic as I’m now really worried!

I had a miscarriage a few weeks ago and for the past week have had some bleeding that is getting heavier. I went to the Dr yesterday who, after an internal exam, said she thought I had an infection. She said she wasn’t sure which antibiotics would be best, so she would call someone and leave a prescription at reception for me to pick up later. I picked it up last night, and it had two antibiotics on it and as I wasn’t sure how best to take them (at the same time, separately etc.) I asked for a telephone appointment today just to check.

I just had a call from a different Dr who said that from what she could see on the notes I was being treated for PID. Is PID just what they call an infection after a miscarriage? I thought PID was from STIs but they haven’t mentioned it?? If I did have an STI (which I think is unlikely but I suppose technically feasible) will the antibiotics I’ve been given for PID clear up the initial STI as well? Does my partner need to be tested? I didn’t think to ask any of this on the phone!

PID is usually, but NOT always caused by STI. They can just be caused by normal bacteria travelling up and infecting the same area. However to be on the safe side you should check to see if your partner possibly needs treating too.

Sorry you have had a miscarriage. PID is Pelvis Inflammatory Disease and is not necessarily caused by an STI. Cause may be unknown. But in your case it is very probably the miscarriage. Did they take any swabs to test for infection?

PID can be caused by an STI but it can be caused by a general infection from bacteria getting past your cervix, especially easy after a miscarriage. Your partner should be fine but use condoms anyway to reduce germs/bacteria inside you for a couple of weeks.

Oh dear, I think the receptionist is going to get sick of me, asking for another phone appointment!

I'm not sure if she took swabs, she was down there for ages though so might have done. Definitely didn't say anything about calling for results or getting my partner checked though.

Thanks for all the answers, definitely calmed me down a bit. I was getting so worried that I must have an STI, and then worrying that that could have caused the miscarriage

The same antibiotics will generally be used despite the cause of the infection to cover all bases. It's likely to be infection post miscarriage but have they ruled out retained products? Have you taken a pregnancy test? If still positive then you need to contact your early pregnancy unit. Sorry for your loss.

I had a negative pregnancy test last week, and a few weeks ago had a scan which showed my uterus was empty so they’ve ruled out retained products based on that.

That sounds reassuring. The antibiotics should have you feeling better in a few days then fingers crossed. Take care.