Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Fact sheet about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

What is PID?

PID is an infection that can occur in the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

PID is a complication often caused by STIs (sexually transmitted infections) like chlamydia and gonorrhea. In addition, other infections that are not STIs can also cause PID.

What are the signs and symptoms of PID?

PID does not always cause symptoms, or symptoms may be mild. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Fever
• An unusual discharge with an unpleasant odor from the vagina
• Pain and/or bleeding during sex
• Burning sensation when peeing
• Bleeding between periods

What are my testing options?

You should see a healthcare provider if you or your partner are showing symptoms of, or may have been exposed to, PID or any STI. A healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history during your examination and may need to do tests to diagnose PID. 

If sexually active, individuals should have an open and honest conversation with their healthcare provider so that the provider can recommend the right STI testing.

• Sexually active individuals with a cervix who are younger than 25 years of age should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year. Talk to your health care provider about getting tested more often if having sex with multiple people. 
• Sexually active individuals with a cervix who are older than 25 years of age with risk factors such as new sex partner or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your health care provider about getting tested every year.

What are my treatment options?

• PID can be treated, but any health impacts that have already happened cannot be undone. That is why it is important to diagnose and treat PID early, before problems arise. 
• A health care provider can prescribe antibiotics to treat PID. It is important to follow your health care provider’s instruction and take all of the medication, even if symptoms go away before finishing the treatment.
• If an individual has a sexual partner, the partner should get tested for? and complete treatment before resuming sexual activity, as reinfection is possible and PID can return.
• It is possible to get PID again if infected with another STI. If an individual has had PID before, their risk of getting it again is higher.

What happens if PID is left untreated?

PID can cause permanent and painful damage to the reproductive system, including: 

• Formation of scar tissue both outside and inside the fallopian tubes 
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb)
• Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
• Long-term pelvic/abdominal pain

How can I prevent PID? 

There are a few steps you can take to stay safe and reduce the risk of getting PID:

• Use condoms the right way every time you have sex and consider other methods like dental dams.
• Limit your number of sexual partners with unknown STI status. 
• Get tested for STIs regularly

Medications like doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy PEP) can help prevent bacterial STIs after exposure, while HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) can reduce your risk of acquiring HIV. Take charge of your sexual health and talk to your provider about what methods are right for you.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, nurse, or sexual and reproductive health provider
• Your health center or family planning clinic
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of STD Prevention & HIV Surveillance, Partner Services Program at [phone].
• Doxy PEP information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• HIV PrEP information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• HIV PEP information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health