Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It most often occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.
Untreated PID can cause scar tissue and pockets of infected fluid (abscesses) to develop in the reproductive tract, which can cause permanent damage.
The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease can be subtle or mild. Some women don’t experience any signs or symptoms. As a result, you might not realize you have it until you have trouble getting pregnant or you develop chronic pelvic pain.
The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease might be mild and difficult to recognize. Some women don’t have any signs or symptoms.
When signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are present, they most often include, Pain, ranging from mild to severe, in your lower abdomen and pelvis. There’s also Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odour, unusual bleeding from the vagina, especially during or after sex, or between periods. Some people may also experience pain during sex or while urinating and fever sometimes.
If you experience any of signs and symptoms of PID that aren’t severe, still see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Vaginal discharge with an odour, painful urination or bleeding between periods can also be symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
If these signs and symptoms occur, stop having sex and see your provider soon. Prompt treatment of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can help prevent pelvic inflammatory disease.
