What to expect from STI screening for pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is diagnosed from the overall picture, not from one STI result alone. A clinician may ask about lower abdominal pain, unusual discharge, bleeding, pain during sex, fever, and urinary symptoms, then examine the abdomen and pelvis. Tests may look for chlamydia or gonorrhoea and may include screening for other infections when relevant. A negative result does not always exclude PID, because inflammation can have more than one cause or the infection may no longer be detectable.

Tell the clinician about antibiotics, allergies, pregnancy possibility, and the date of your last period. Ask whether to avoid urinating or using vaginal products before a swab. Do not have sex without protection while results are pending if an STI is suspected. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed, avoid sex until the clinician says it is safe, and make sure current or recent partners receive appropriate advice and testing.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, repeated vomiting, high fever, or feeling very unwell. Pregnancy with pelvic pain or bleeding needs prompt assessment. Early treatment matters because untreated pelvic inflammation can affect the fallopian tubes and future fertility.

Ask which infections are being tested, when results are expected, whether treatment starts before results, and how partners should be contacted. Clarify when you can resume sex and whether a follow-up examination is needed.