Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection and inflammation of the female reproductive organs. It can scar the tubes that carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus which can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic pain and other problems. PID is the most common preventable cause of infertility in the United States. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes, but other bacteria can also cause PID.
You are at risk if you
Some women have no symptoms. Others have pain in the lower abdomen, fever, smelly vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding or pain during intercourse. Antibiotics can cure PID. Early treatment is important – waiting too long increases the risk of infertility.
National Women's Health Information Center
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Date last updated: 16 January 2009 Topic last reviewed: 07 August 2008 |