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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the womb, tubes and ovaries, usually from bacteria that spread up from the vagina. Early treatment prevents lasting damage to fertility.
Causes & risk factors
- Sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea)
- Other bacteria spreading up into the pelvis
- After childbirth, miscarriage or a procedure on the uterus
- Occasionally after IUD insertion
- Untreated vaginal infections
Common symptoms
- Lower pelvic pain
- Unusual or smelly discharge
- Fever
- Pain during sex
- Pain passing urine
- Bleeding between periods
Tests & diagnosis
- Vaginal / cervical swabs
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- CRP
- Pregnancy test (beta-hCG)
- Pelvic ultrasound
Treatment & management
- A course of antibiotics, started promptly — finish it fully
- Treat sexual partners to prevent re-infection
- Rest and pain relief while recovering
- Avoid sex until you and your partner have finished treatment
- Follow-up to confirm the infection has cleared
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe pelvic pain with fever or vomiting — seek urgent care
- Pain with pregnancy or a positive pregnancy test — urgent
- Symptoms not improving within a few days of antibiotics
- Fainting or feeling very unwell
Frequently asked questions
Can PID affect my fertility?
Yes, if left untreated it can scar the fallopian tubes and make conceiving harder or raise the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Prompt antibiotic treatment greatly reduces this risk.
How is PID caught early?
Getting persistent pelvic pain, unusual discharge or pain during sex checked quickly is key. Regular STI testing if you are at risk also helps catch infections before they spread.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.