Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
What is it?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is infection of the reproductive organs of women which may be caused by chlamydia or gonorrhoea. This may include infection of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, cervix (neck of the womb) or ovaries.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may occur suddenly with abdominal pain or pain with deep penetration during sex, and fever. PID may also have more subtle signs such as irregular periods and abnormal vaginal discharge.
PID can cause severe illness requiring treatment in hospital. In the long term PID can lead to difficulties becoming pregnant or problems when pregnancy occurs. PID is a major cause of infertility among women.
How is it transmitted?
PID is caused by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. However, not all PID is sexually transmitted and it can be caused by bacteria that are transmitted during termination of pregnancy, use of IUDs and childbirth.
How can I prevent transmission?
Using a condom for vaginal sex is the most effective prevention for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea and therefore PID. Regular sexual health check-ups will ensure that any early infections are picked up and treated, rather than being left untreated to develop into PID.
How is it diagnosed?
A swab (long cotton bud) of the cervix is usually taken and tested in a laboratory for chlamydia or gonorrhoea. PID can also be detected by a vaginal examination which checks for pelvic tenderness.
How is it treated?
PID can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to finish the course of antibiotics.
Treatment will be the same as for chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It is strongly recommended that after treatment you return to your doctor for follow-up. Serious cases may require hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous antibiotics.