What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s reproductive tract. It can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. PID can cause scar tissue that grows between internal organs. It can also lead to ectopic pregnancy. This is when the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. If left untreated, PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain. Also you may not be able to get pregnant.

What causes PID?

Bacteria cause PID. Often, they are the same type of bacteria that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Who is at risk for PID?

Women of any age can get PID. But those at greater risk of PID from sexually transmitted bacteria include:

• Women under 25 who are sexually active.

• Women of childbearing age.

• Women who use IUDs. The risk is only during the first 3 weeks of use.

• Women who douche often.

What are the symptoms of PID?

The most common symptoms of PID are:

• Pain and tenderness spread throughout the lower part of the belly.

• Pelvic pain.

• Increased foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

• Fever and chills.

• Vomiting and nausea.

• Pain during urination.

• Belly pain (upper right area).

• Pain and bleeding during sex.

• Bleeding between periods.

The symptoms of PID may look like other health problems. Always talk with your health care provider for a diagnosis.

How is PID diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your health history and do a physical and pelvic exam. Other tests may include:

• Blood tests.

• Pap test. For this test, cells are taken from the cervix and checked under a microscope. It's used to find cancer, infection, or inflammation.

• Ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to make an image of the organs.

• Laparoscopy. This is a minor procedure done using a thin tube (laparoscope) with a lens and a light. It's put into a cut (incision) in the belly (abdominal) wall to look at the reproductive tract.

How is PID treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is.

Antibiotic pills are used to treat PID, especially if it’s caused by an STI. For severe infection, you may need to stay in the hospital for IV (intravenous) antibiotics. Sometimes, you may need surgery.

Key points about PID

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s reproductive tract. It can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries.

• If PID is left untreated, you can develop chronic pelvic pain and infertility. And you are at risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.

• It's caused by bacteria, often the same type of bacteria that cause STIs.

• Sexually active women under age 25 and those of childbearing age are at the greatest risk of getting PID from an STI.

• PID can cause pelvic pain, belly tenderness, vaginal discharge, fever, chills, and pain during urination and sex.

• Treatment includes antibiotics, especially if you have an STI.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your health care provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions that you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any instructions your provider gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends.