Can chlamydia cause pelvic inflammatory disease?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can affect the cervix without producing noticeable symptoms. If bacteria move upward into the womb, fallopian tubes or nearby pelvic tissues, they can trigger the inflammation known as PID.

PID may present with lower abdominal or pelvic pain, pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex, and discomfort when passing urine. Fever, nausea or feeling generally unwell can accompany a more severe infection. Some people have subtle symptoms, so testing is needed to identify chlamydia.

Arrange a sexual health or gynaecology assessment if you have symptoms, a partner has tested positive, or you think you may have been exposed. A clinician may take a urine sample or swab and assess for pelvic tenderness. When PID is suspected, treatment may start before every test result is available.

Take all prescribed antibiotics and follow the clinician's advice about avoiding sexual contact until treatment requirements are complete. Recent sexual partners may need testing and treatment to prevent reinfection. A follow-up plan is especially useful if symptoms persist, you are pregnant or the diagnosis was uncertain.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, persistent vomiting, high fever or marked weakness. Prompt assessment is also needed for pelvic pain during pregnancy or when pregnancy is possible, because conditions other than PID may require emergency treatment.

Ask which infections are being tested, whether the examination suggests PID, when to expect results, and how partners can access care. Confirm how to take the antibiotics, what to do after a missed dose, when sexual contact can resume, and which symptoms should lead to reassessment.