PID is the name given to inflammation of the female reproductive organs: the womb (or uterus) fallopian tubes, ovaries and surrounding tissues.

It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from the cervix (neck of the womb) up into the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In some cases it is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Symptoms of PID can vary from very mild to severe – sometimes requiring treatment in hospital.

Several different types of bacteria can cause PID, including the same bacteria that cause the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) gonorrhea and chlamydia. What commonly occurs is that bacteria first enter the vagina and cause an infection. As time passes, this infection can move into the reproductive organs in the pelvic area.

You can reduce your risk of PID by using condoms with sexual partners until they’ve had a sexual health check.

Signs of PID include:

• Bleeding between periods or after sex.
• Lower abdominal pain – particularly during and sometimes after sex.
• Unusual vaginal discharge.
• A few people affected can become very ill with severe lower abdominal pain, a high temperature and nausea and vomiting. In this situation you need to seek urgent medical attention – either attend a sexual health clinic or A&E

Untreated PID can cause serious problems:

• Persistent or recurrent bouts of pelvic pain.
• Infertility.
• An ectopic pregnancy (this is a serious condition requiring urgent surgery).
• Pelvic abscess.

There is no simple test to diagnose PID as it is diagnosed based on your symptoms and an examination.

We have a number of LBT specific sexual health clinics which you can attend if you feel you may have PID.

If you have PID we recommend that you also have routine tests for other sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonnorhoea, trichomonas, syphilis and HIV.

All of our services are free and confidential.

If diagnosed at an early stage, PID can be treated easily with a course of antibiotics, which usually lasts for 14 days.

It is important to get treated quickly to reduce the risk of complications. PID is treated with a mixture of antibiotics to cover the most likely infections and usually includes an injection as well as tablets. The treatment course is usually for 2 weeks. The treatment is free and issued to you directly in the clinic.

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