What is the first treatment tried for pelvic inflammatory disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection affecting the upper reproductive organs. It may follow an infection passed through sexual contact, but symptoms and examination are not enough to identify every cause. Delaying treatment can allow inflammation to continue, so a clinician may start antibiotics when the overall assessment points to pelvic inflammatory disease rather than wait for every result. The prescribed combination and route depend on symptoms, examination findings, allergies, pregnancy status and local clinical guidance.

Take the full antibiotic course exactly as prescribed, even if pain or discharge improves early. Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete, symptoms have settled and a clinician says it is safe; recent partners may need assessment and treatment. Attend any follow-up appointment and return if symptoms do not improve. [Antibiotic Treatment for Pelvic Infection](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/antibiotic-treatment-for-pelvic-infection/) explains the treatment approach, while [STI Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/sti-screening/) can help identify an infection that needs specific follow-up. See [Pelvic Inflammatory Disease](/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/) for condition information.

Seek same-day medical care for pelvic pain with fever, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, pain during sex or vomiting. Go to emergency care for severe or worsening pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting or possible pregnancy with pelvic pain, because other urgent conditions can have similar symptoms.

Which antibiotics do I need and how should I take them? Do I need STI tests or partner notification? When should symptoms begin to improve, and when is follow-up needed?