Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
is an infection of your reproductive organs. This includes your ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix (lower area of your uterus), and vagina. The infection causes these organs to become inflamed.
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Common symptoms include the following:
PID may cause mild signs and symptoms or none at all. You may have any of the following:
- Fever or chills
- Pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis
- Heavy discharge from your vagina that may have an unusual or bad smell
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding during or after sex, or bleeding in between your monthly periods
- Pain during sex, especially if your PID is new
- Painful or difficult urination
Call your doctor if:
- You have severe pain in your lower abdomen.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have chills or a high fever.
- Your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 3 days of treatment.
- Your skin is red, itchy, or you have a new rash.
- You think or know you are pregnant.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics are given to fight the bacterial infection that caused your PID.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage PID:
- Finish your treatment. If you do not finish your treatment for PID, your infection may not go away. You may also have an increased risk for another STI in the future.
- Do not have sex until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You will need to finish treatment before it is safe to have sex.
- Talk to your sex partners. If you have an STI, tell your recent partners. Tell them to see a healthcare provider for testing and treatment. This will help stop the spread of infection to others or back to you.
Decrease your risk for PID:
- Do not have unprotected sex. Always use a latex condom. Do not have sex while you or your partners are being treated for an STI.
- Get tested for STIs before and after new sex partners. Talk to your partner and ask them to get tested.
- Do not delay treatment for STIs or vaginal infections. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you have an STI. Early treatment can prevent health problems that may lead to PID.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to return for a follow up visit. Your treatment may need to be changed if your symptoms are not getting better. You may need more tests if your symptoms do not go away or worsen after treatment. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
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Symptoms and treatments
Further information
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