Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection of a woman's reproductive organs. These organs include the uterus, fallopian tubes, and vagina.

What is going on in the body?

PID is usually caused by a sexually transmitted disease. The cervix, or opening to the uterus, may allow bacteria to enter. Then, an infection may begin. This infection can spread to the fallopian tubes and other parts of the body.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Most cases of PID are caused by a sexually transmitted disease, such as Chlamydia trachomatis.\ Sexually transmitted disease refers to any contagious disease transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. In men, the infection normally involves the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. ',CAPTION,'Chlamydia Infection in Males');" onmouseout="return nd();">chlamydia or Neisseria gonorrhoeae\ bacteria. The infection is usually acquired through sexual contact. ',CAPTION,'Gonorrhea in Females');" onmouseout="return nd();">gonorrhea. In some cases, bacteria that are normally found in the vagina are responsible for PID. Sometimes the specific cause or type of bacteria cannot be found.

PID may also occur after the pelvic organs have been manipulated in some way. This includes procedures such as:

Childbirth puts a woman at risk for developing PID. The following conditions increase this risk:

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

There may not be any symptoms in the early stages of PID. As the infection spreads and grows, however, the symptoms may include:

How is the infection diagnosed?

Diagnosis of PID begins with a history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam. The healthcare provider may order additional tests, such as:

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Safer sex practices can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases which can lead to PID. If a woman has a sexual partner who has an STD, then she needs to be treated. If a woman thinks she has been exposed to someone with an STD, she should be treated.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

The long-term effects of PID depend on several factors. These include the severity and length of the infection as well as the organism that caused the infection. Possible complications include:

What are the risks to others?

The sexually transmitted disease that caused PID may be passed to the woman's sexual partners.

What are the treatments for the infection?

Treatment of mild cases of PID includes antibiotics, pain medicine, bed rest, and avoiding sexual activity. If a woman has an IUD, it will be removed.

With severe symptoms, the woman may need to be hospitalized. Higher doses of antibiotics and pain medicines can be given intravenously. The woman may need surgery to drain pus through the vagina. Other procedures can include removing the injured ovaries, fallopian tubes, or any scar tissue. If the bowel is blocked, surgery can release the obstruction. A hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, is sometimes recommended.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics can cause stomach upset, rash, and allergic reactions. Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

Treating the infection early gives the best results. PID can cause infertility. This happens in roughly 15% of affected women. Each episode of PID increases a woman's risk of infertility. The risk of ectopic pregnancy is also increased. This is because the tubes may be blocked by scar tissue.

How is the infection monitored?

A woman may need to have more frequent cervical tests. A woman's sexual partners should also be checked and treated. Ultrasound exams can check for an abscess that may need to be drained with surgery. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Eva Martin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:06/06/01
Reviewer:Carlos Herrera, MD
Date Reviewed:06/06/01