Pelvic inflammatory disease

Many different types of bacteria can cause PID. However most cases are the result of a chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection.

In some cases, the cause of the infection that leads to PID is unknown. Such cases may be the result of normally harmless bacteria found in the vagina. These bacteria can sometimes get past the cervix and into the reproductive organs.


In some cases, the cause of the infection that leads to PID is unknown. Such cases may be the result of normally harmless bacteria found in the vagina. These bacteria can sometimes get past the cervix and into the reproductive organs.

Symptoms

The symptoms of PID are fairly general, which means it can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may include:

pain around the pelvis or lower abdomen discomfort or pain during sex that is felt deep inside the pelvis bleeding between periods or after sex unusual vaginal discharge fever and vomiting pain in the rectum (back passage)

If diagnosed and treated early, the complications of PID can be prevented.

If treatment is delayed some of the complications are:

pelvic abscess formation long term or recurrent pelvic pain reduced fertility or infertility – this affects 1 in 10 women with PID and is more likely in severe infection or repeated episodes ectopic pregnancy – a serious condition where the baby grows outside the womb, most commonly the fallopian tube