Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

PID is usually sexually transmitted and is the result of having unprotected vaginal sex (sex without a condom). 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.

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

To test for PID, a cervical swab to test for bacteria is usually required.

You may have more tests to check for other causes of your pain, such as:

• blood test
• urine sample
• an ultrasound
• laparoscopy (a test that involves a special camera).

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 (where pregnancy occurs outside the uterus), if you become pregnant .

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 with casual and regular partners.
• Talk with your sexual partners about what you can do together to have safe, pleasurable sex. Read tips for talking about sexual health and safer sex (external site).