Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is when an infection in the neck of the womb (cervix) or the vagina spreads to the pelvis and reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes).

PID can be caused by many different types of bacteria, including sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Sometimes the cause of the infection that leads to PID is unknown.

Bacteria can get in through sex, childbirth, an abortion, a miscarriage, or following a medical procedure.

You may notice:

• pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis which doesn’t go away
• pain deep inside during sex, or cramping pains which are not linked to your periods
• change in vaginal discharge or unexpected bleeding from the vagina.

If you have fever or vomiting with pain, you should seek help urgently.

You will need to attend a sexual health clinic or your GP. You will be asked about your symptoms and examined.

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PID is treated using a combination of antibiotics.  You can get these antibiotics from sexual health clinics or your GP.

Don’t delay coming for treatment if you think you may have PID. Without treatment there may be complications such as chronic pain and infertility.

You should avoid sex whilst you are on PID treatment.

It is important to tell any people you have had sex with that you have PID. Your nurse or doctor will help you work out which partners to tell and can help you tell them (if you want help with this). They will also need to be tested and treated.

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