Overview
PID is infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries, usually from untreated sexually transmitted infections that travel upward. It causes lower abdominal pain and abnormal discharge — and silently scars the tubes, making it a major cause of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Early antibiotic treatment prevents that damage.
Symptoms
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, sometimes with odour
- Pain during or after sex
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Fever
- Pain when urinating
Causes & risk factors
- Untreated gonorrhoea or chlamydia ascending from the cervix
- Other bacterial infections after delivery, miscarriage or procedures
- Multiple partners without condom use
- Douching disturbing the natural balance
Treatment & self-care
PID is treated with a full course of antibiotics prescribed after assessment — completed entirely, even when pain settles early — and sexual partners must be treated to prevent reinfection. Severe cases with high fever or an abscess need hospital care. Avoid sex until treatment is complete, and treat any STI promptly in future.
See a doctor urgently if
- Lower abdominal pain with abnormal discharge or fever
- Severe pelvic pain — same day
- Pain with vomiting or fainting
- Symptoms after a recent delivery, miscarriage or procedure
- Missed period with pelvic pain (rule out ectopic)