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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Also called: PID 
 
 

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection and inflammation of the female reproductive organs. It can scar the tubes that carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus which can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic pain and other problems. PID is the most common preventable cause of infertility in the United States. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes, but other bacteria can also cause PID.

You are at risk if you

  • Are sexually active and younger than 25
  • Have more than one sex partner
  • Douche

Some women have no symptoms. Others have pain in the lower abdomen, fever, smelly vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding or pain during intercourse. Antibiotics can cure PID. Early treatment is important - waiting too long increases the risk of infertility.

Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health