What is pelvic inflammatory disease? — Pelvic inflammatory disease, also called "PID," is an infection that affects a woman's reproductive system.
PID is most commonly caused by an infection you catch during sex. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most common infections that lead to PID. PID can cause ongoing (also called "chronic") pain. It can also leave you unable to have a baby, because PID can cause scars on the fallopian tubes.
What are the symptoms of PID? — PID does not always cause symptoms. When it does, the main symptom is pain in the lower belly. In some women, this pain gets worse during sex.
Other symptoms can include:
Is there a test for PID? — There is no simple test that can show whether or not you have PID. But there are a few tests that can help your doctor find the possible cause of your problem.
First, your doctor will do a pelvic exam to check for signs of infection or inflammation. Then, he or she might test your urine, blood, or vaginal discharge for signs of infection or other problems. He or she might also check a sample of your bowel movements to see if there's blood in it.
Depending on your situation, you might also have other tests, such as an ultrasound.
How is PID treated? — PID is treated with antibiotics. These antibiotics come in different forms, and not everyone takes them in the same way. Some people get a shot plus pills. Some people need to get the antibiotics in the hospital through an "IV" first and then take pills when they go home. Your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you.
It is very important to take all the pills in your prescription, even if you feel better before you finish them. If you don't take all the pills, the infection could come back.
If you have PID, your recent sex partners also need to see a doctor and get treatment. This includes anyone you had sex within the 2 months before your symptoms started. If your sex partners are not treated, they can infect you again.
Can PID be prevented? — Since PID is most commonly caused by a germ that you get during sex, you can lower your risk of getting PID by:
What if I want to get pregnant? — If you have had PID, you could have a hard time getting pregnant. That's because PID can cause scars to form on the fallopian tubes. If you do get pregnant, you will also have a higher-than-average chance of having an ectopic pregnancy, which can be dangerous. An ectopic pregnancy is when a baby starts to form in the fallopian tube, which then can burst.
If you are trying to get pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor that you have had PID.