Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PDF)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

What is PID?

PID is a serious infection of the female pelvic organs. It is usually caused by bacteria, often by chlamydia and/or gonorrhea. A pelvic exam needs to be done to diagnose PID.

What are symptoms of PID?

Many women do not have signs of infection in the beginning . Symptoms can include fever, foul smelling discharge from the vagina, abdominal pain, longer/heavier/more painful periods, bleeding between periods, fatigue, and pain with sex.

How is PID treated?

* Several different antibiotics are typically given to you. Take all of the antibiotics until they are gone, even if you feel better.
* Bedrest.
* Drink lots of fluids.
* Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for the pain.
* Use a heating pad on your abdomen.
* Tell your sexual partner. They will need to get checked and get medicine.
* Do not have sex until both you and your partner have completed your medication and you have been examined.
* Do not douche or use tampons.
* Use latex condoms when you do have sex.
* Call the office if you feel worse or if you have questions. If you cannot reach us and it is an emergency, go to the emergency room.

What are the risks of PID?

PID is very SERIOUS. When you have PID you may need to have surgery. You may need to be hospitalized. It may cause infertility in the future due to scarring in your tubes. After having PID, women are more prone to having an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

How do I prevent PID?

Know your partner. Limit your number of partners. You and your partner should get tested for STD’s. Use latex condoms with all new and untested partners. If you only have sex with one uninfected partner and your partner only has sex with you, you are at very low risk of getting PID.

Written by the Women’s Group Practitioners Last Reviewed in November 2009
© Copyright 2009 The Women’s Group PC 1