Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). Many types of germs can cause PID, but chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common.

On this page:
Signs and Symptoms
Transmission
Complications
Prevention
Testing and Treatment
For more information

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STD Facts: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Signs and Symptoms

  • May be absent or mild
  • Pain in lower abdomen
  • Fever
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Burning or pain during urination
  • Pain during sex

Transmission

Germs that cause PID are spread by vaginal sex.

Complications

  • If left untreated, PID can cause:

    • Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
    • Infertility
    • Chronic pelvic pain

Prevention

  • Avoiding vaginal, oral or anal sex is the best way to prevent STDs.
  • Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of germs that cause PID.
  • Always use latex condoms during vaginal and anal sex.
  • Limit the number of sex partners.
  • Get a test from a doctor or other medical provider if infection is suspected.

Testing and Treatment

  • Get a test from a medical provider if infection is suspected.
  • PID can be cured using medication prescribed by medical provider.

NOTE: A person can be re-infected after treatment.

For more information, contact:

STD and HIV Section
Minnesota Department of Health
(651) 201-5414

Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline Attention: Non-MDH link
1-800-783-2287 Voice/TTY; (651) 645-9360 (Metro)

American Social Health Association (ASHA)
Attention: Non-MDH link

CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines
Attention: Non-MDH link
1-800-CDC-INFO; 1-888-232-6348 TTY
1-800-344-7432 (Spanish)

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Updated Tuesday, 26-Mar-2013 13:57:58 CDT