A Serious Infection Requiring Prompt Treatment
PID is an infection of the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries - usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. Early treatment is crucial to protect fertility. Don't ignore pelvic pain.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female upper genital tract including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It's usually caused by bacteria ascending from the cervix, most commonly chlamydia and gonorrhoea. PID can range from mild to severe and can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications including infertility.
PID is a clinical diagnosis based on pelvic pain plus either cervical motion tenderness or uterine/adnexal tenderness on examination. We test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and other STIs. Blood tests may show inflammation. Ultrasound can identify tubo-ovarian abscess. A low threshold for diagnosis is recommended as untreated PID has serious consequences.
Antibiotics are given to cover likely organisms - typically a combination covering chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and anaerobes. Outpatient treatment is usually effective for mild-moderate PID. Severe cases, pregnant women, or those not responding may need hospital admission for IV antibiotics. Partners must be tested and treated. Follow-up ensures resolution.
Yes, PID can damage fallopian tubes causing scarring that affects fertility. About 10-15% of women have fertility problems after a single episode of PID, and risk increases with repeated infections or delayed treatment. However, prompt treatment significantly reduces this risk. If you have pelvic pain, don't delay seeking care.
The risk of PID is slightly increased in the 3 weeks after IUD insertion, not from the IUD itself but from any existing cervical infection being pushed upward. After this period, IUDs don't increase PID risk. We recommend STI screening before or at IUD insertion. IUDs don't need removal if PID develops.
PID can cause minimal symptoms while still damaging reproductive organs. 'Silent' or subclinical PID is common. This is why we have a low threshold for diagnosis and treatment. Even mild pelvic symptoms warrant evaluation, especially with STI risk factors. Early treatment prevents complications.
Yes. Male partners of women with PID should be tested and treated, typically with antibiotics covering chlamydia and gonorrhoea, even if their tests are negative (as they may have already cleared the infection while you developed PID). Treating partners prevents reinfection. Avoid sex until both have completed treatment.
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