cation and needs intravenous antibiotics;
has an abscess (infected area with pus) in the fallopian tube or ovary.
If symptoms continue or if an abscess does not go away, surgery may be needed. Complications of PID, such as chronic pelvic pain and scarring are difficult to treat, but sometimes they improve with surgery.
What does it mean for my health?
Untreated PID infections may lead to:
Infertility. Because of PID, each year more than 100,000 women will not be able to have children as a result of scarring or damage to cells lining the fallopian tubes.
Use latex condoms for vaginal, oral and anal sex from the very beginning of sexual contact until there is no longer skin contact.
Mutual monogamy (have sex with only one uninfected partner). Multiple sex partners can increase your risk for getting any STI and developing PID.
Have regular check-ups if you are sexually active.
If you have an STI, do not have sex (oral, vaginal or anal) until all partners have been treated and cured. Treatment and follow-up are important steps in breaking the disease cycle.
Water-based spermicides (foams, jellies, creams, or suppositories) can be used along with latex condoms for additional protection during vaginal intercourse. Use of spermicide is not recommended nor found to be effective for oral or anal intercourse.
Since PID can be transmitted even if the penis or tongue does not completely enter the vagina, mouth or rectum, using latex condoms from the beginning of sexual contact until there is no longer skin contact is recommended.
How do I tell my partner?
Telling a partner can be hard, but keep in mind that most people with an STI don't know they have it. It's important that you talk to your partner as soon as possible so she or he can get treatment. Men are more likely than women to have symptoms of chlamydia or gonorrhea (two STIs that cause PID). It is possible to pass PID back and forth, so if you get treated and your partner doesn't, you may get infected again.