What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. The uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries or pelvic area can be affected.

What are the symptoms of PID?

Symptoms of PID may include:

• lower abdomen (pelvic) pain
• deep pain during intercourse (sex)
• heavy periods
• abnormal vaginal discharge that may contain blood or pus
• vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
• fever, chills, nausea or vomiting

Some people don't get any symptoms. It can be hard to know that you have PID if you don't have any symptoms.

What causes PID?

PID is caused by an infection spreading from the cervix to the upper female reproductive organs. It is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. It can also be caused by bacteria found in the vagina, such as those causing bacterial vaginosis.

More rarely, PID can happen after a surgical abortion or after the insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), which allows bacteria to spread upwards.

You have a higher chance of getting PID if you have:

• a new sexual partner
• multiple sexual partners
• a partner with an STI or symptoms of an STI

When should I see my doctor?

If you have symptoms of PID, you should see your doctor. It's especially important to get checked if you are sexually active and have a new type of pain in your pelvic area.

Your doctor will probably give you an internal pelvic examination to check for pain in your cervix or uterus. You have the right to ask for a support person to be with you during a medical examination.

Read more about informed consent.

How is PID diagnosed?

PID is diagnosed by your doctor, based on your symptoms and a physical examination.

During the examination, your doctor will take vaginal and cervical swabs to confirm what type of infection you have. Sometimes the type of bacteria is not found.

If you do not want your doctor to examine you, you may be able to do the swab by yourself.

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

• a blood test
• a urine test
• a pregnancy test
• an ultrasound

How is PID treated?

PID is treated with a combination of antibiotics. You will probably need to take these for 2 weeks. You can start treatment straight away — you don't need to wait for the swab results.

If you have severe PID symptoms — such as fever or vomiting — or if you are pregnant, your doctor may recommend that you have intravenous (IV) antibiotics (given through a tube into your vein) in hospital.

You can take paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for pain. Ask your pharmacist for advice on pain relief medicines. Be sure you rest while you are recovering.

How can I prevent spreading PID?

Your current sexual partner should also be tested and treated. Avoid sex for at least one week after treatment. If you or your partner or partners are diagnosed with an STI, your previous sexual partners may also need to get checked.

Let Them Know is a free notification service for people who have been diagnosed with an STI to easily let their sexual partners know they might be at risk.

Your doctor or nurse can also help you with how to contact your sexual partners.

What are the complications of PID?

PID can lead to:

• scarring of the fallopian tubes, causing fertility problems
• persistent pelvic pain
• ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus)

Having an STI in pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth.

By treating PID early you can lower your chance of complications.

Can PID be prevented?

Condoms can help protect you against STIs.

If you are sexually active, you can ask your doctor for an STI test. It's especially important to get tested if you:

• have a new partner
• have been exposed to an STI in the last year
• have travelled to an area where STIs are more common
• are pregnant
• are a sex worker
• are sexually or gender diverse
• have Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage

Your doctor might also offer you an STI check before procedures such as IUD insertion or abortion.

Resources and support

• Family Planning NSW has a fact sheet about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• If you have been diagnosed with an STI, you can use Let Them Know to contact your previous partners.

Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

Languages other than English

Stay STI Free has information about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) available in many community languages at Health Translations Victoria.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Visit Better to Know for sexual health information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

Read more about sexual health for sexually and gender diverse people from Sexual Health Victoria.