If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency department immediately:
- severe tummy pain
- fever and chills
- repeated episodes of vomiting
- you feel unwell generally
- heavy vaginal bleeding.
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If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency department immediately:
Most cases of PID are caused by bacteria that spread from your vagina and cervix (the neck of your womb) to your uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes.
Image: Female reproductive organs. Source: 123rf
Many different types of bacteria can cause PID. The most common of these is an STI such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Other less common causes include:
You are more likely to have PID if you have the following risk factors:
The symptoms can vary from very mild to severe.
Some women may not have any symptoms. The most common symptoms are:
Complications are more likely to arise if PID is not treated, or if treatment is delayed, or if there is a severe infection.
The complications of PID include:
If you get PID more than once you are at greater risk of developing these complications. In many countries, it's the most common preventable cause of infertility.
There is no specific, single test for PID and the doctor will rely on your symptoms and examination findings to decide if you have PID.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including your period, any previous operations and whether you have any sexual partner who has an STI. Your doctor will also examine your abdomen (tummy) and, with your consent, do a vaginal (internal) examination. Read more about informed consent.
The doctor will also request blood tests, a urine (pee) test and vaginal swabs to check for the cause of your infection. However, your swab tests can be negative for STIs even if you have PID.
If you have PID, your doctor will also recommend a sexual health check to check for other STIs such as HIV.
Sometimes, if your symptoms are severe, or if you have any complications, your doctor will ask for an ultrasound scan on your abdomen or other investigations.
If your doctor thinks it's very likely you have PID, you will be given a course of antibiotics, usually before test results are available. This is to lower the risk of any possible long-term complications.
A combination of antibiotics are used to treat PID as it is usually caused by a number of different bacteria The treatment usually includes a single antibiotic injection and oral antibiotics tablets for 2 weeks.
Antibiotics that are usually used to treat PID include:
In severe cases of PID, your doctor may refer you to the hospital for admission to have medicines through a drip in your arm (intravenously).
You may find it useful to look at some Pelvic floor exercise apps and Women's health apps.
The complications of PID get worse with repeat infections, so prevention is essential.
Most PID in young women is the result of infection with an STI.
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Pelvic floor exercise apps
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Pelvic inflammatory disease
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Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Dr Poornima Nair, FRNZCGP, Hamilton
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