Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by an infection such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia or Mycoplasma genitalium spreading into the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
It is a serious disease that can damage or scar the fallopian tubes, which can result in serious complications in pregnancy or infertility (so you can not have a baby).
You can have PID without having any symptoms.
How do you get PID?
PID is usually sexually transmitted and is the result of having unprotected vaginal sex. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are the most common causes of PID.
The disease can also occur after a bowel infection or ruptured appendix. PID can also occur after some medical or surgical procedures such as insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD), dilatation and curettage (D&C) or surgical termination of pregnancy, so it is a good idea to be tested for sexually transmissible infections before having any of these procedures.
What are the signs and symptoms of PID?
Often there are no symptoms, so people don’t know they have PID.
If symptoms are present they can include:
- unusual vaginal discharge
- unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
- pain when urinating or during vaginal sex
- lower abdominal pain or discomfort
- heavy or more painful periods
- fever
How can PID be tested?
To test for PID, a cervical swab to test for bacteria is is usually required.
Other tests may include:
- blood test
- urine sample
- an ultrasound
- laparoscopy (a test that involves a special camera).
How can PID be treated?
PID is usually treated with a course of antibiotics. It is important that you finish the course of antibiotics.
You should not have sex until the course of antibiotic treatment is finished, and you should encourage your sexual partners to be tested.
If PID is left untreated it could damage or scar the fallopian tubes, which can lead to infertility or serious complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, if you become pregnant .
How can PID be prevented?
To help prevent spreading the bacteria that causes PID:
- Have regular STI tests.
- Always use condoms and/ or dams and water-based lubricant when having sex.
- Talk to your sexual partners about sexual health.
Where to get help
Last reviewed: 28-07-2025
Acknowledgements
Public Health
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