Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs. These include the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. PID can cause scar tissue to form in the pelvis and fallopian tubes. This damage may result in infertility, a future tubal pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain.

Causes

PID is caused by bacteria that travel to the reproductive organs. A single bacteria or mixture of several bacteria may cause the infection. The most common bacteria that cause PID are gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Current or previous sexually transmitted disease (STD)
  • Multiple sex partners
  • Use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
  • Age: 15 - 24
  • Sexual intercourse with a partner who has a STD
  • Frequent douching

Symptoms

Women with PID do not always have symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:
  • Pain in the lower abdomen
  • Vaginal discharge with a foul odor
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Painful intercourse
  • Painful urination
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding
If you suspect PID, or have any symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Diagnosis

Because symptoms are often subtle or non-existent, PID can be difficult to diagnose. There are no specific tests for PID.
If PID is suspected, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, as well as your sexual history, partners, and birth control methods. The doctor may perform a general physical exam as well as a pelvic exam. Samples from the vagina or cervix may be taken to help diagnose the problem.
Tests may include:
  • Cultures of the cervix – to test for STDs
  • Blood test – to check pregnancy status and to check for infection
  • Ultrasound – a test that uses sound waves to visualize the inside of the body
  • Laparoscopy – insertion of a thin, lighted tube through a small incision in the abdomen to look at the reproductive organs

Treatment

The primary treatment for PID is antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe more than one type of antibiotic to treat the problem. Finish the entire dose of each medication, even if your symptoms disappear during treatment. Rest is also an essential part of the treatment for PID. You may be hospitalized if the diagnosis is uncertain, you do not improve, or your symptoms are severe. In the hospital, antibiotics can be given by vein. In certain situations, surgery may be required.

Prevention

To help prevent PID:
  • Use a latex condom each time you have sexual intercourse.
  • Discuss birth control options with your doctor. Ask which methods may increase or decrease your risk of PID.
  • Seek immediate treatment for symptoms, such as unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding.
  • Limit the number of sexual partners.
  • Have regular screening tests for STDs.
If you are diagnosed with PID or another STD:
  • Do not have sexual intercourse until after treatment is complete.
  • Notify all sexual partners.