PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is inflammation of the upper female reproductive system caused by an infection.

How do you get PID?

PID can be caused by some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including:

• Chlamydia.
• Gonorrhoea.

PID can also be caused by other infections that are not sexually transmitted.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Symptoms can include:

• New or severe cramping or pain in the lower tummy.
• Pain deep inside during sex.
• Feeling generally unwell.
• A fever.

If you have severe or worsening pain, or feel very unwell, seek urgent medical advice.

How is PID treated?

PID is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can cure the infection.

It is important to take all your antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better.

What happens if PID is not treated?

Untreated PID can sometimes cause scarring inside the reproductive system.

This can increase the risk of:

• Infertility, which means difficulty becoming pregnant.
• Ectopic pregnancy, when a pregnancy develops outside the womb.

The risk of these complications increases if you have PID more than once.