Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and surrounding tissues. The infection starts at the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. It then moves upward through the whole reproductive system. It may even spread to the abdomen. PID is most common among young women who have sex, especially with multiple partners. It rarely occurs after menopause.

Many types of bacteria can cause PID. The bacteria found in two common sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea and chlamydia) are the most frequent causes. 

PID is usually treated with antibiotic medicine. Mild PID, without fever or severe pain, is usually treated with a combination of antibiotic shots and oral antibiotics (pills).

A more serious infection may be treated with several days of intravenous (IV) antibiotics given once or twice a day. This may be done at your health care provider's office, the emergency room or clinic, or sometimes at home with visits from a nurse. After several days of IV antibiotics, you will need to take oral antibiotics.

If you have severe PID, you may need to stay in a hospital for continuous IV antibiotic treatment. You will take oral antibiotics for some time after you go home.     

The following practices may help prevent PID:

• Have just 1 sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else.
• Avoid having sex when you have an infection.
• Use latex or polyurethane condoms to reduce the risk of infection every time you have sex.
• Have yearly pelvic exams, including tests for infection. 

ACOG.org for more information.