Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman's pelvic organs. The pelvic organs include the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix. Each year in the United States, more than 1 million women have an episode of PID. More than 100,000 women become infertile each year because of PID. Also, many ectopic pregnancies that occur are due to problems from PID.

A woman can get PID if bacteria (germs) move up from her vagina and infect her pelvic organs. Many different types of bacteria can cause PID. You’re more likely to get PID if you have had an sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are other risk factors for PID.

The most common symptom of PID is pain in your lower abdomen (stomach area).

Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and other tests to determine if you have PID.

PID can be cured with antibiotics (drugs that kill bacteria). Most of the time, at least two antibiotics are used that work against a wide range of bacteria.

A woman can get PID if bacteria (germs) move up from her vagina and infect her pelvic organs. Many different types of bacteria can cause PID. But, most cases of PID are caused by bacteria that cause 2 common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - gonorrhea and chlamydia. It can take from a few days to a few months for an infection to travel up from the vagina to the pelvic organs.

You can get PID without having an STI. Normal bacteria found in the vagina and on the cervix can sometimes cause PID. No one is sure why this happens.  

You’re more likely to get PID if you:

• Have had an STI
• Are under 25 years of age and are having sex
• Have more than one sex partner
• Douche. Douching can push bacteria into the pelvic organs and cause infection. It can also hide the signs of an infection.
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD). You should get tested and treated for any infections before getting an IUD. This will lower your risk of getting PID.

See your doctor promptly for lower-abdominal or pelvic pain, unusual discharge, fever, or pain during sex, since untreated PID can harm fertility. Seek emergency care for severe pain, high fever, or vomiting.