Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction
Signs and symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis
Complications
Treatment
Prevention

Introduction

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus and upper genital tract. Pelvic inflammatory disease may also develop when bacteria travel up a contraceptive device or when bacteria are introduced during gynecologic procedures.

Many women who develop pelvic inflammatory disease either experience no signs or symptoms or don't seek treatment. Pelvic inflammatory disease may be detected only later when you have trouble getting pregnant or if you develop chronic pelvic pain.

Pelvic inflammatory disease is important to avoid because it can result in infertility or complications during pregnancy. Prompt treatment of a sexually transmitted disease can help prevent PID.

Signs and symptoms