Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

(curable with medication)

An infection of the female reproductive organs by chlamydia, gonorrhea or other bacteria. Also known as PID.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix or uterus, which are all parts of the female reproductive system.

PID is usually caused when an STD--such as chlamydia or gonorrhea--is left untreated.

Women often have no symptoms or very mild ones. The most common symptom is cramping, pain or tenderness in the pelvic or lower abdominal area. Other possible symptoms are bleeding between menstrual periods, increased or changed vaginal discharge, pain during sex, nausea and/or vomiting, and fever.

PID can be dangerous because it can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to other problems such as infertility or an ectopic pregnancy (when a fetus grows anywhere outside the uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes).

PID can cause long-lasting pain in the pelvic area.

PID can develop anywhere from several days to several months after infection with a sexually transmitted disease, usually gonorrhea or chlamydia.

If caught early, PID can be treated with antibiotics. More severe cases may require a hospital stay.

Information obtained from STD Resource Network should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition or symptoms.

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