What happens if pelvic inflammatory disease is not treated?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection affecting the upper reproductive organs. Without treatment, inflammation can scar the fallopian tubes, uterus, or tissues nearby. Scarring may interfere with the movement of an egg and can contribute to difficulty becoming pregnant or an ectopic pregnancy. It may also lead to recurrent or ongoing pelvic pain, pain during sex, or a blocked, fluid-filled tube called a hydrosalpinx.

Symptoms can be mild or absent, so feeling better does not always mean the infection has cleared. A vaginal discharge change, pelvic pain, painful periods, or pain during sex should be assessed in context rather than self-diagnosed.

Seek medical assessment as soon as PID is suspected. A clinician may offer STI screening, an examination, pregnancy testing, and antibiotic treatment for pelvic infection. Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and ask about partner testing or treatment when an STI may be involved. Avoid sex until your clinician says it is safe, and return for review if symptoms do not improve.

Get urgent help for severe or worsening pelvic pain, fever, fainting, repeated vomiting, heavy bleeding, or feeling acutely unwell. Seek prompt assessment for pelvic pain with a missed period or a positive pregnancy test, because an ectopic pregnancy requires urgent evaluation. Do not wait for discharge or pain to become severe.

Ask which tests are needed, whether partners need treatment, when sex can safely resume, how to protect fertility, and what follow-up is required after antibiotics.