Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) causes infection and subsequent scar tissue in the reproductive organs which may lead to infertility. The signs and symptoms of PID can be mild to severe and can be easily confused with those of other diseases, including endometriosis or appendicitis.
According to the NHS, most women have mild symptoms that may include one or more of the following:
- Pain around the pelvis or lower tummy
- Discomfort or pain during sex that’s felt deep inside the pelvis
- Pain when peeing
- Bleeding between periods and after sex
- Heavy periods
- Painful periods
- Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if it’s yellow or green.
PID can cause unusual discharge from the urethra.
Frequent urination, burning during urination, and difficulty urinating can also be symptoms of PID.
Due to the location of the infection, urine symptoms are common.
Your doctor will likely have you take antibiotics to treat PID.
Because your doctor may not know the type of bacteria that caused your infection, they might give you two different types of antibiotics to treat a variety of bacteria.
Within a few days of starting treatment, your symptoms may improve or go away. However, you should finish your medication, even if you’re feeling better.
Stopping your medication early may cause the infection to return.
Your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease increases if you have gonorrhoea, chlamydia or have had an STI before.
The longer PID goes untreated, the more likely it is to cause damage to the reproductive organs.
If you experience symptoms of acute PID, like a high fever, vomiting, fainting, or severe pain, go to the nearest emergency room.