Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Pelvic inflammatory disease is a bacterial infection of the female reproductive system
• Treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease consists of antibiotics
• If left untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a condition caused by a bacterial infection of certain parts of the female reproductive system. It is usually caused by sexually transmitted infections and can have severe consequences on your reproductive health if left untreated. In this guide by Ada’s medical team, you can find more information on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease.

Pelvic inflammatory disease, also abbreviated as PID, is a condition commonly seen in women. It affects the female reproductive system and can cause complications if left untreated. It is a condition that primarily starts in the lower genital tract and then spreads to the upper genital tract. Pelvic inflammatory disease can affect the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. 1

The symptoms of PID are not always that obvious. Some possible symptoms which you may experience are: 1

• Pain in your lower tummy
• Discomfort or pain during intercourse
• Pain when peeing
• Changes to your period such as heavy bleeding, painful periods, and bleeding between periods
• Unusual vaginal discharge that may smell and look green/yellow

The signs of pelvic inflammatory disease are usually mild, although some women may experience severe pain in the lower tummy, which may combine with a fever. If you experience any of these symptoms related to pelvic inflammatory disease, then it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider. Delaying treatment may cause serious complications and may affect your chances of pregnancy. 

A bacterial infection is usually what causes PID. This infection can be caused by a variety of bacteria. Some bacteria that are frequently responsible for the development of pelvic inflammatory disease are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These are bacteria that are transmitted sexually and that can have an effect on your reproductive health. Pelvic inflammatory disease can also be caused by a bacteria called mycoplasma genitalium. Some microorganisms that are normally present in the vagina can also contribute to the development of PID. 1 2 3

The development of pelvic inflammatory disease after exposure to the bacteria responsible for chlamydia or gonorrhea can happen quickly, but can also take up to a year. This underlines the importance of getting regular check-ups if you’re sexually active. 4

Pelvic inflammatory disease can be diagnosed by your healthcare provider after discussing your symptoms and undergoing a gynecological examination. During the gynecological examination, it’s likely that your healthcare provider also takes a swab from the inside of your vagina and cervix in order to look for the presence of the bacteria responsible for the development of PID. Other tests may also be possible in order to rule out certain conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These tests may include: 5

• A urine or blood test
• A pregnancy test
• An ultrasound

A laparoscopy, also called keyhole surgery, is a form of minor surgery to examine or treat internal organs.

Pelvic inflammatory disease treatment involves the use of antibiotics. PID antibiotics are targeted at a variety of bacteria which can be the cause of your condition. In most cases, your healthcare provider will advise you to do a 14-day course of antibiotics. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about your pelvic inflammatory disease medication. You should take the entire course of antibiotics, even if you’re feeling better. 6

In order to make sure the antibiotics are working, your healthcare provider may advise you to have a check-up appointment or to check in with them if your symptoms aren’t improving after 3 days. Your sexual partners should also get tested and should receive PID treatment, as the bacteria responsible for pelvic inflammatory disease can be transmitted sexually. 

Since this condition is caused by bacteria that spread through sexual contact, pelvic inflammatory disease prevention may include the consistent and correct use of condoms. Getting checked regularly for STDs can enable early treatment and can also prevent the development of PID. Regularly using vaginal douches and the use of IUDs have also been associated with an increased risk of PID. 4

It’s important that you get treated for pelvic inflammatory disease. If left untreated, the condition can cause damage to the female reproductive system. This can result in complications such as: 2

• Abscesses in the pelvis, the ovaries, or the fallopian tubes
• Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg starts growing outside the uterus. This kind of pregnancy cannot be saved1
• Infertility
• Long-term pelvic pain

Pelvic inflammatory disease is a condition affecting the female reproductive system. It is mainly caused by bacteria that can be transmitted through sexual contact. It’s important to get diagnosed and treated early on in order to prevent complications. 

• an infection of the female reproductive organs.

Q: What antibiotics treat pelvic inflammatory disease? 
A: Some antibiotics that your healthcare provider may prescribe are cefotetan, doxycycline, cefoxitin, clindamycin, or gentamicin. 

Q: Can men get pelvic inflammatory disease? 
A: Men can not get PID, but they can spread the bacteria which are responsible for the development of the condition. 

Q: Can pelvic inflammatory disease cause infertility? 
A: If left untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease can cause infertility due to damage to the fallopian tubes. 

Q: Can pelvic inflammatory disease be cured? 
A: Most cases of pelvic inflammatory disease can be cured by following a course of antibiotics. It is important that treatment gets started as soon as possible in order to prevent complications. 

Q: What are the causes of pelvic inflammatory disease? 
A: Pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria primarily responsible for the development of this condition are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and spread through sexual contact.