Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic inflammatory (in-FLAM-a-tor-ee) disease (PID) is an infection in the uterus, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries (Picture 1). The first symptoms usually occur during or just after a menstrual period. PID may also be caused by an untreated vaginal infection or by other things like surgery or pregnancy.

Early medical treatment is needed:

• To prevent continued abdominal pain
• To prevent damage to the fallopian tubes. Damaged tubes can make a female sterile (not able to have a baby).
• To prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

Picture 1 - The female reproductive system inside the body.

Symptoms of PID

The early symptoms of PID may be:

Very strong cramps in the abdomen or lower belly pain

Abnormal bleeding from the vagina (bleeding that is not your period)

Later symptoms may be:

• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Vaginal discharge
• Fever and chills
• Painful urination
• Pain when walking

Picture 2 - Preparing for a pelvic exam.

Testing for PID

To find out if you have PID, these things will be done: 

• You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and lie on a padded table for the exam
• The doctor will examine you by pressing on your abdomen to find where the pain may be coming from.
• The doctor will use a metal or plastic speculum (SPEK-you-lum) to look inside your vagina. You will feel a little pressure, but it does not hurt unless you have sore places.
• If necessary, samples of vaginal secretions will be taken with a cotton swab (Picture 2). These will be sent to the lab and be examined under a microscope.

After the Exam

• The doctor will decide if any further tests or treatments are needed.
• If you are given a prescription, take the medicine as prescribed until it is all gone, even though you may feel better.
• You may have some light spotting after the exam.
• Bed rest helps ease the pain.

Other Advice

• If you are sexually active, your sexual partner needs to be examined and treated to keep you from getting the infection again.
• It is best not to have sex until you have been rechecked by the doctor.
• Use condoms to reduce the risk of getting the infection again.

Follow-Up Appointment

It is important that you follow up with your doctor.

If you need a doctor for your child, call the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Referral and Information Line at (614) 722-KIDS. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or nurse.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PDF)

HH-I-62 12/85, Revised 9/11 Copyright 1995-2011, Nationwide Children’s Hospital