Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a major complication in 10-40% of women who have been infected with either chlamydia or gonorrhea and have not received treatment. PID occurs when the initial infection travels upward, often along with other bacteria, beyond the cervix into the uterus, oviducts, ovaries, and pelvic cavity. PID is often serious enough to require hospitalization and sometimes surgery. Even if the disease is treated successfully, about 25% of affected women will have long-term problems such as a continuing susceptibility to infection, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain. PID is the leading cause of infertility in young women.

Like many other STIs, chlamydia and gonorrhea are often symptomless. For this reason alone, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your risks and the need for STI testing.

Symptoms Symptoms of PID vary greatly. Some women, especially those with PID from chlamydia, may be asymptomatic; others may feel very ill with abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Early symptoms are essentially the same as those described for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Symptoms often begin or worsen during or soon after a woman’s menstrual period. Many women have abnormal vaginal bleeding either bleeding between periods or heavy and painful menstrual bleeding.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Photo Gallery



Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis of PID is made on the basis of symptoms, physical examination, ultrasound, and laboratory tests. Laparoscopy may be used to confirm the diagnosis and obtain material for cultures.

Treatment should begin as quickly as possible to minimize damage to the reproductive organs. Antibiotics are usually started immediately; in severe cases, the woman may be hospitalized and antibiotics given intravenously. It is especially important that an infected woman’s partners be treated. As many as 60% of the male contacts of women with PID are infected but asymptomatic.

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