Overview

Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, is an infection of your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. PID is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. PID can cause scars in the fallopian tubes. This can make it hard for you to get pregnant in the future.

It's important to take all the medicine that was prescribed. PID can cause serious health problems if you don't complete your treatment.

Having one STI increases your risk for other STIs. Examples include genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and HIV. It's a good idea to start thinking now about how to prevent more STIs. Not having sex is the best way to prevent any STI.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Rest until your fever and pain have improved.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you're not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Use a hot water bottle or a heating pad (set on low) on your belly for pain.
• Don't douche.
• Don't have sex or use tampons (you can use pads instead) until you have taken all the medicine, your pain is gone, and you feel completely well.
• Talk to any sex partners you've had in the past 2 months. They need to be tested and may need to be treated for STIs.

To prevent STIs

• Use a condom every time you have sex. Use it from the start to the end of sexual contact.
• Talk to your partner before you have sex. Find out if they have or are at risk for any sexually transmitted infection (STI). Keep in mind that people may be able to spread an STI even if they don't have symptoms.
• Don't have sex with anyone who has symptoms of an STI. These include sores on the genitals or mouth.
• Having one sex partner (who doesn't have STIs and doesn't have sex with anyone else) is a good way to avoid STIs.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have a new or higher fever.
• You have unusual vaginal bleeding.
• You have new or worse belly or pelvic pain.
• You have vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad.
• You are dizzy or light-headed, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have symptoms of sepsis, such as:
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Feeling very sick.
  • Severe pain.
  • A fast heart rate.
  • Cool, pale, or clammy skin.
  • Feeling confused.
  • Feeling very sleepy, or you are hard to wake up.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:

• You do not get better as expected.