How is pelvic inflammatory disease treated?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection affecting the upper reproductive organs. It can cause pelvic pain, pain during sex, painful periods or unusual vaginal discharge, but symptoms may be mild. A clinician may examine you, test samples for infection and assess pregnancy risk. Treatment is usually started when PID is suspected because waiting for every result can allow inflammation to continue. Some infections can involve the fallopian tubes and may lead to hydrosalpinx or fertility problems.

Take the full antibiotic course exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms ease sooner. Antibiotic treatment for pelvic infection may use more than one medicine to cover different bacteria. Avoid sex until treatment is complete, symptoms have settled and partners have been assessed or treated as advised. Attend follow-up if symptoms remain. Do not share antibiotics, and tell the clinician about allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Seek same-day medical care for pelvic pain with fever, unusual discharge, pain during sex or feeling unwell. Go urgently for severe pain, vomiting, fainting, heavy bleeding, possible pregnancy or rapidly worsening symptoms. If antibiotics do not start to help within the timeframe your clinician gave you, contact them promptly.

Ask which tests are needed, when and how partners should be treated, when sex is safe again, and whether you need a follow-up examination. Ask about warning signs of an abscess or complications and how PID may affect fertility.