Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a pelvic infection in upper genital tract (uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries) usually caused by multiple bacteria. These bacteria may be common sexually transmitted infections namely gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. They may also live normally in the lower genital tract (cervix, vagina) and then move upward into the uterus like bacterial vaginosis. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment of PID is due to potential long-term, serious problems such as infertility, chronic pelvic pain,  and ectopic pregnancy. Women who have multiple sex partners, or those whose sex partner has multiple partners are especially at risk for all types of sexually transmitted infections including PID. The most common symptoms include pelvic or abdominal pain, fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosis is usually made by your doctor based on history and physical exams. Blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, and cervical cultures may also obtain. Treatment of PID often includes antibiotics. In severe forms of PID admission in hospital, and surgery also may be necessary. You may decrease your chance of getting another infection with use of condoms and limiting the number of your sex partners.