Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

It may be caused by a variety of bacteria and/or viruses, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Many people do not experience symptoms of PID. If symptoms occur, they can be:

• Lower abdominal pain or cramping
• Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Heavier periods
• Chills and/or fever

• PID is treated with antibiotics. It is important to finish all the medication and tell the clinic if you vomit within one hour of taking it.
• To ensure that the medication is working and your symptoms are improving, you must return to clinic within three to seven days.
• Do not have sex while you are on treatment.
• Encourage your partner(s) to get tested.

Bacteria and/or viruses that cause PID can be sexually transmitted. You can pass the infection to your partner even when there are no symptoms.

If untreated, PID can lead to:

• Chronic pelvic pain (ongoing lower abdominal pain)
• Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
• Ectopic (tubal pregnancy)