Pelvic inflammatory disease

Content provided by Healthwise

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a term used to describe inflammation or infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries (female pelvic organs). PID is usually caused by a bacterial infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Scarring from pelvic infection is a common cause of ongoing (chronic) pelvic pain and infertility. It may also increase a woman's risk of having an ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which the fertilized egg attaches to an area outside of the uterus.

Women who have had PID once are more likely to have repeated pelvic infections.

PID may not cause any symptoms. But when symptoms occur, they may include:

Lower abdominal pain.
Fever.
A vague feeling of body weakness or discomfort (malaise).
Pelvic pain/vaginal discharge.

Women with symptoms of a possible pelvic infection are advised to avoid sexual intercourse until they are evaluated by a health professional. This reduces the risk of spreading a possible infection to a sex partner.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.