Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Finding answers for unexpected pelvic discomfort

Pelvic inflammatory disease, also called PID, isn’t always easy to recognize. Symptoms can be subtle or come on quickly. Either way, if something feels off, it’s worth getting checked. At Reid Health, our OB/GYN team has been caring for people across East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio for more than 100 years. We’re here to help you get answers and feel better, without having to leave the region.

What’s the cause of pelvic inflammatory disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the upper female reproductive organs, including the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. It’s often linked to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea and chlamydia. In some cases, normal bacteria found in the vagina can also travel up to the reproductive organs and contribute to infection.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with an increased risk of PID. Other factors that raise your risk include:

• Being younger than 25 and sexually active
• Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners
• Having a partner who has other partners or an untreated STI
• Douching, which can allow bacteria to be pushed into your reproductive organs
• Having had PID before
• Having had a recent STI, especially chlamydia or gonorrhea
• Having an intrauterine device (IUD) recently inserted, although the risk is usually limited to the first few weeks

How is pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosed?

There’s no single test that can confirm PID in every case. Your provider will make a diagnosis using several approaches, including:

• A pelvic exam to check for abnormal vaginal discharge or tenderness
• Lab tests for STIs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia
• Blood or urine tests.
• Ultrasound, especially if an abscess is a concern or the diagnosis is unclear

If the diagnosis is still unclear or you don’t respond to treatment, your provider might recommend a laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive procedure that allows them to view the inside of the abdomen directly. Because untreated PID can lead to serious complications, treatment may begin even if the diagnosis is not yet certain.

How is pelvic inflammation disease treated?

PID is treated with antibiotics and usually will not get better without treatment. Antibiotics can clear the infection, but they cannot reverse scarring or other damage that may already have occurred. Treatment usually starts right away with a combination of antibiotics that cover the most likely bacteria. Depending on your symptoms and exam findings, medicine may be given by mouth, injection, or IV in the hospital.
To make sure the treatment is working and to prevent long-term complications, follow a recovery plan that might look something like this:

• Finish the entire prescription: You must take all your antibiotics exactly as directed, even if your symptoms completely disappear before the medication is gone.
• Attend your follow-up appointment: Plan to see your provider two to three days after starting your medication to ensure your body is responding well to the treatment.
• Treat your partners: Inform any recent sexual partners so they can be tested and treated as well.
• Pause sexual activity: Avoid sexual activity until treatment has been completed, symptoms have improved, and partners have been treated, when indicated.

While most cases are managed at home, your provider might recommend hospitalization if you are pregnant, severely ill, have a pelvic abscess, or if your symptoms fail to improve with oral medications.