What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
Pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID, is a serious, often painful infection in the upper genital tract/reproductive organs in a woman that can lead to permanent reproductive damage and other complications. Although many types of bacteria and germs can cause PID, it is most often a result of untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that are relatively common among sexually active young adults. In the United States, PID is the leading cause of infertility (the inability to have a baby) in women.
How could I get PID?
- PID is most commonly caused by bacteria passed from one person to another during vaginal or oral sex without the use of a condom or other form of protection.
- The bacteria that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia (which can be present in both men and women) are usually the cause of PID. When women have these sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and do not get treated, they are likely to develop PID.
- Since there are often few signs and symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia in women, most women who are infected with these STDs don’t know it, and as a result don’t get treated. Therefore, it is very easy for a woman to develop PID without even realizing it.
- Like other STDs, PID can occur even if the penis or tongue does not completely enter the vagina.
- It is possible that bacteria can enter a woman’s upper genital tract and reproductive organs during some types of medical procedures, such as the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD).
What are the signs and symptoms of PID?
- The most common symptoms of PID include:
- Fever and/or chills
- Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or back
- Increased or changed vaginal discharge
- Other signs and symptoms of PID are:
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Burning or pain when you urinate
- Irregular bleeding between your menstrual periods (spotting)
- Fatigue
- Increased menstrual cramping
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea (with or without vomiting)
What are the complications of PID?
- Permanent infertility (inability to have a baby)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Internal abscesses (pus-filled “pockets” that are hard to cure)
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, life-threatening condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube
Am I at risk for getting PID?
- You are more likely to develop PID if you:
- Have a male partner who has gonorrhea or chlamydia or a history of STDs
- Have several sexual partners
- Do not know your partner’s sexual history
- Do not use a condom during sex
- Douche frequently
- Have a past history of any STD
- Have a past history of PID
How can I get tested for PID?
- You can be tested for PID during an examination by your gynecologist or family physician.
- PID is diagnosed when the following symptoms are found during a pelvic exam: lower abdominal tenderness, tenderness of fallopian tubes or ovaries, tenderness of the cervix.
- Your provider might order lab tests to identify the bacteria that caused the infection (like those that cause gonorrhea and chlamydia).
- A pelvic ultrasound can be used to diagnose PID to see if your internal reproductive organs are enlarged or if abscesses are present.
- In some cases, a laproscopy (a surgical procedure in which a thin, flexible tube with a camera and lighted end is inserted through a small incision in the lower abdomen) might be needed to confirm diagnosis of PID.
What is the treatment for PID?
- Many different types of antibiotics may be used to treat PID. Some are safe in pregnant women, some are not.
- If you are diagnosed with milder PID, you will usually be given an antibiotic injection or shot, and then sent home with antibiotic pills to take for up to 2 weeks. You will need to closely follow up with your health care provider.
- More severe cases of PID may require you to stay in the hospital. Antibiotics are first given by IV, and then later by mouth. Which antibiotic is used depends on the type of infection.
- Hospitalization is also recommended to treat PID if you are pregnant.
- Sexual partners must be treated to prevent passing the infection back and forth. You and your partner must finish all of the antibiotics. Use condoms until you both have finished taking your antibiotics.
- Complicated cases that do not improve with antibiotics may need surgery.
How can I prevent myself from getting PID?
- Get yourself tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Know your partner’s sexual history.
- Use a condom during sex consistently and correctly.
- Stop having sex if you test positive for or have any symptoms of STDs.
- Ask your doctor before douching.
- Have regular check-ups to the gynecologist if you are sexually active.
If you have any other questions on HIV/AIDS or any sexually transmitted disease, please call the Virginia HIV, STD, and Viral Hepatitis Hotline: (800) 533 - 4148.
