Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) is caused by a bacterial infection. This can be caused by many different types of bacteria but most cases are caused by chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection.
How it’s caught
Most cases of PID are caused by an infection in the vagina or cervix that has spread to the reproductive organs higher up. Although in many cases the cause of PID is from a chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection, there are some cases caused by other types of infection or where the cause is unknown.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PID can include pain around the lower abdomen, discomfort during sex felt deep inside the pelvis, bleeding between periods and unusual vaginal discharge (especially if this is yellow or green).
Testing
There is no single test for diagnosing PID. A doctor or nurse will diagnose PID based on the symptoms you describe and an examination. The doctor or nurse will take swabs to test for infections. Sometimes referral for ultrasound scan or further blood tests might be recommended.
Treatment
Treatment usually consists of a course of 2 or 3 antibiotics.
Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can reduce the pain
It is important that any sexual partners are tested and treated for infections as necessary.
NHS Inform - PID
