Sexual health
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Also known as: PID, Pelvic infection
Pelvic inflammatory disease condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
PID occurs when bacteria ascend from the vagina to the uterus, tubes, or ovaries. It is often linked to STIs such as gonorrhea. Prompt treatment lowers the risk of chronic pain and difficulty conceiving.
Symptoms
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Odorous vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Irregular bleeding
- Nausea
Causes
Bacteria from STIs or, less often, after procedures if hygiene is poor. Condomless sex raises risk.
Treatment (general information)
Prescribed antibiotics are the core treatment; partners should be tested. Severe cases may need hospital care. Finish all medicine even if you feel better.
Prevention
Use condoms, test for STIs regularly, treat infections early, and avoid harsh vaginal douching.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or PID symptoms in pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
- Can PID prevent pregnancy?
- It can damage the tubes if untreated. Early treatment lowers that risk.
- Is it contagious?
- PID itself is not “caught by touch,” but the bacteria that cause it can spread through sex.