Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) an infection of female reproductive organs. It is a complication often caused by untreated STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Signs and symptoms

There might be no symptoms of PID, or symptoms may be mild. Some possible symptoms include:

  • Lower belly and pelvis pain
  • Heavy vaginal discharge that may be green or yellow and have a foul smell
  • Heavier period
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Pain or bleeding during sex
  • Fever and chills
  • Pain or trouble with urination
  • Throwing up or nausea

When to Seek Emergency Help

In some cases, PID can bring on more intense symptoms.

Get medical help right away if you have:

  • Severe lower belly pain
  • Signs of shock, such as fainting
  • Vomiting
  • Fever higher than 101 degrees F

People at Higher Risk

You are more likely to get PID if you:

  • Have an STI and do not get treated
  • Have more than one sex partner or a partner who has sex with multiple people
  • Have sex without a condom
  • Are sexually active and are age 25 or younger
  • Douche regularly
  • Recently had an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted
  • Have a history of PID or STIs

How it spreads

Bacteria that may cause PID are usually spread during unprotected sex.

How to Prevent PID

The only way to avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Other ways to lower the chances of getting PID include:

  • Getting tested
  • Avoiding douching
  • Limiting your sex partners and request they get tested for STIs
  • Using condoms during sex

Treatment and Recovery

PID can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider. It is important to complete all PID treatment.

Be sure to tell your recent sex partner(s), so they can get tested and treated for STIs, too. Partners can re-infect each other if they do not finish PID or other STI treatments before having any type of sex.

If diagnosed and treated early, the complications of PID can be prevented.

Complications of PID

Some of the complications of PID are:

  • Formation of scar tissue both outside and inside the fallopian tubes that can lead to tubal blockage
  • Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb)
  • Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
  • Long-term pelvic/abdominal pain

Learn more about PID at CDC.gov

On