What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Bottom linePelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper reproductive organs (uterus, tubes, ovaries) usually caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea spreading upward; symptoms include pelvic pain, unusual discharge, pain or bleeding with sex, bleeding between periods, painful urination, and fever, though some cases are silent. Prompt antibiotics are essential because untreated PID can cause tubal scarring, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy, and partners need treating too.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper female reproductive organs - the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It's usually caused by sexually transmitted infections spreading upward, and it needs prompt treatment to prevent complications.

Common causes

• Untreated STIs, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Sometimes other bacteria, including after some procedures or childbirth

Symptoms

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Unusual vaginal discharge, sometimes with a bad smell
• Pain during sex or bleeding after sex
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Fever and feeling unwell
• Some cases are mild or silent, which is part of the danger

Why prompt treatment matters

Untreated PID can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, leading to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Early antibiotics greatly reduce these risks.

Treatment

• Antibiotics (often a combination), started promptly
• Treating sexual partners to prevent reinfection
• Avoiding sex until treatment is complete

When to see a doctor urgently

• Pelvic pain with fever, abnormal discharge, or feeling very unwell
• Severe lower abdominal pain

PID is a medical condition that needs timely care - don't wait it out.

See our vaginal health guide and UTI vs vaginal infection.

Femora helps you track pelvic pain, discharge, and bleeding to describe symptoms accurately to a clinician.