Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an inflammation of the lining of the uterus, fallopian tubes and peritoneum. The infection starts in the vagina and sometimes causes adhesions that can make you infertile. This page tells you more about the cause of PID and what you can do about it.
Cause
PID is caused by a common infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia. The infection starts in the vagina and spreads through the cervix and uterus to the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Symptoms
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Lower back pain
- Strangely coloured discharge
- Occasional bleeding
- Feeling sick
- Fever
- Pain on penetration
PID does not always present obvious symptoms. To be sure that it is PID you need to be tested.
Cure
To cure PID, you need antibiotics. Your doctor can prescribe these. You must get treatment. PID causes adhesions in the fallopian tubes and this can lead to infertility. It also increases the chances of chronic abdominal pain and ectopic pregnancy. A check-up appointment will be made to see if the symptoms improve. If the symptoms worsen, contact the outpatient clinic or your GP. You may then be referred to a gynaecologist.
What I can do
Besides taking antibiotics you need to rest. Painkillers can reduce pain. You should also take your temperature every day for the first few days until it is around 37 degrees. To reduce the risk of PID we recommend you use condoms and not use vaginal douching.