What it is
Bacteria normally stop at the cervix. Pelvic inflammatory disease is what happens when they get past it, into the uterus, the tubes and sometimes the ovaries.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause many cases. Ordinary vaginal bacteria cause others, particularly after a procedure or a delivery.
Timing matters. Treated early, most women do well. Left for weeks, the tubes scar, and scarred tubes affect fertility and raise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
What you might notice
- Lower belly pain on both sides, dull and constant
- Pain deep during sex
- Discharge that is heavier, yellow or foul
- Fever or chills
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Pain that started during or just after a period
- Burning when you urinate
- Nausea, when the infection is further along
How Dr. Mueller finds the cause
- 1
Symptom history
Dr. Mueller asks about pain, fever, discharge and any recent procedure.
- 2
Pelvic exam
She checks for tenderness when the cervix and ovaries are moved.
- 3
Swabs and labs
Testing covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, pregnancy and white count.
- 4
Pelvic ultrasound
The scan looks for a swollen tube or a pocket of pus.
- 5
Start antibiotics
Treatment starts at the visit, before every result is back.
- 6
Recheck in 3 days
If you are not clearly better, the plan changes.
Questions people ask
- Does PID mean I have an STI?
- Not always. Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause many cases. Ordinary vaginal bacteria cause others.
- Will this affect my fertility?
- It can, by scarring the tubes. The risk climbs with each episode and with how long it went untreated.
- Does my partner need treatment?
- Yes, when chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomonas is found. An untreated partner re-infects you.
- Can I be treated without going to the hospital?
- Most women are treated from the office: one antibiotic shot, then pills for two weeks. Hospital care is for high fever, vomiting or an abscess.
- How fast should I feel better?
- Noticeably better in about three days. If not, Dr. Mueller re-examines rather than waiting it out.
- Can I keep my IUD?
- Usually. Antibiotics start first, and the IUD is reconsidered only if you are not improving.