Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Learn about pelvic inflammatory disease and find information on symptoms, testing, and more.

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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection that develops when germs from sexually transmitted infections spread from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other reproductive organs of people assigned female at birth.

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How to Prevent PID

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious complication of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia and gonorrhea. It develops when bacteria travel upward through the reproductive organs. While any sexually active people with vaginas can develop PID, some people are at higher risk, such as those under age 25 and those who douche. Because PID can lead to long-term health problems, understanding who is at risk and how to prevent infection is essential. To help prevent PID:

Get tested regularly: Some people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) don’t have symptoms, which is why getting tested and knowing your status is important to stop the spread and get treatment before progressing to PID.
Use a new barrier method every time (like a condom or dental dam) for each sexual act, partner, and when switching between oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- Condoms made from “natural” materials (such as lambskin) can help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For STI protection, use latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. Check the product label to confirm what type of condom you’re using.
Consider Doxy PEP: Taking doxycycline within 24 hours after sex can help prevent chlamydia and gonorrhea from potentially progressing to PID. Talk to a healthcare provider if you think you were exposed or may be exposed in the future to chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, follow cleaning instructions for toys and check for damage, and use condoms on toys.
Understand that having sex while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can increase the likelihood of unprotected sex.

Testing

The best way to prevent getting PID is to take steps to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to get treated early if you have an STI. For people with vaginas who are sexually active, getting tested regularly for STIs can help find infections early on. If trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, talk to a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of PID.

We recommend yearly testing for anyone who is sexually active and under 25. Other times to get tested more include:

Every time you have a new partner
For people of any age at high risk, including:
- Those who have had unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, or sex with a new partner
- All pregnant people
  - If trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- 3 months after treatment for a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Free or low cost and confidential testing is available in clinics throughout Boston.

Learn More

If you don't have health insurance or don't want to use your health insurance, you can still get tested. Call your healthcare provider to confirm the schedule. Find additional information and locations.
If you are a Boston Public High School student, your school may have a School-Based Health Center or Health Resource Center. According to Massachusetts State Law, if you are 13 or older you can get a confidential STI test without your parents' permission.

Treatment

Yes, you can treat PID and a healthcare provider can prescribe the best treatment plan for you. It is important to finish the medication prescribed to you, even if symptoms go away. You should also see your healthcare provider for any follow-up visits recommended. Treatment cannot cure any damage from PID so early treatment is important. All recent or regular sexual partners should get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so you don’t get infected again.

Symptoms

PID symptoms range from mild to serious but many times go unnoticed. For those who do have symptoms, the most common ones are:

Lower stomach and back pain
Fever
Unusual discharge from the vagina which may have a bad odor
Pain or burning when urinating or during sex
Bleeding, not during a period
Very rarely upper stomach pain

Frequently Asked Questions

How serious is PID?

If left untreated, PID can cause permanent damage to female reproductive organs. This damage can lead to serious health problems such as infertility or chronic pelvic pain. Some women may experience ectopic pregnancies. People who have had PID more than once have a higher chance of experiencing these types of complications.

How can I find out if I have PID?

PID is difficult to diagnose since many people have mild symptoms. A healthcare provider will need to perform a physical exam and may wipe the infected area with a swab to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea. It is important that you talk openly with your provider about your symptoms and your sexual history.