Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive 
system. PID can lead to irreversible damage of varying organs within the reproductive system to include the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. PID is common, affecting 1 million American women each year, and is the #1 preventable cause of infertility in women.
Cause. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, are the most common causes of PID. Abortion, childbirth, and other trauma may also cause PID.
Symptoms. Common symptoms of PID are abdominal pain; vaginal discharge; painful urination; chills; high fever; nausea and vomiting; and painful sexual intercourse.
Complications. Recurrent PID may lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
Risk Factors. Risk factors of PID include douching; using an IUD as a form of birth control; having unprotected sex (particularly with more than one partner); having an untreated STD; and a personal history of PID.
Diagnosis. PID is usually first suspected by your doctor after performing a manual pelvic exam. An ultrasound, biopsy, or laparoscopy can help confirm the presence of PID.
Treatment. Oral antibiotics are generally the first line treatment for PID. For severe infections, hospitalization and IV antibiotics may be warranted. Generally, your sexual partner(s) should be treated too as the assumption is they also have the causative STD. They need to be treated even if they are not experiencing any symptoms. Otherwise, reinfection may occur the next time the two of you have sex. If your PID has caused an abscess, surgery may be needed to remove it and prevent it from rupturing.
Prevention. To avoid PID, it is important to practice safe sex. Avoid multiple sexual partners, use protection (either a condom or diaphragm), and consider forms of birth control other than IUDs. Be sure to seek medical care at the first sign of vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding. Lastly, be sure to maintain your annual gynecological visits.
