What Is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?
PID causes infection and subsequent scar tissue in the reproductive organs which may lead to infertility. The signs and symptoms of PID can be mild to severe and can be easily confused with those of other diseases, including endometriosis or appendicitis. With acute PID, the symptoms are usually more severe (often sending someone to the emergency room and can require hospitalization). If someone has chronic PID, the symptoms might be barely noticeable or vague, which can make diagnosing the condition difficult or prolonged. With silent PID, a person might not experience any signs or symptoms. In this case, a person often only learns they have PID after trying unsuccessfully to conceive. Having mild or no symptoms does not rule out PID. If you are having symptoms that concern you, it’s best to talk to your doctor about them. However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, do not delay seeking medical care. If you have severe PID that goes untreated, it can be fatal. If you have the following symptoms, you need to go to the emergency room for treatment.
Fever over 101 FSevere pain in your lower abdomenSigns of shock (like feeling faint)Vomiting
Lower Abdominal Pain
Pain in the lower abdomen is the most common symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease. The pain can feel like dull pressure or a more intense cramping-type pain. In chronic PID, the pain might be mild but is present all the time. The cramping during your menstrual cycle might also be more intense, even so much that it interferes with your day-to-day life.
Pain During Intercourse
Pelvic pain during intercourse is not normal. Some people feel embarrassed to mention sexual pain to their doctor. They often worry that they will be told the cause of their pain is psychological and not physical. Pelvic pain during sex is a common symptom of PID. That said, painful sex can also be caused by other conditions and diseases.
Lower Back Pain
Mild pain in your lower back around the time of your period can be normal. If you experience the pain throughout your cycle, or the pain is especially intense during menstruation, this is something you should tell your doctor about.
Irregular Menstrual Bleeding
Bleeding that is heavier than normal or having spotting between cycles can be a symptom of PID. If you are bleeding heavily enough to need to change your menstrual pad every hour for more than two or three hours, call your doctor right away.
Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge that is especially heavy, has an unpleasant or fishy odor (which might be worse when you are having sex), or is an unusual color can indicate an infection somewhere in your reproductive system, including PID.
Urinary Problems
PID can cause unusual discharge from the urethra (where you pee). Frequent urination, burning during urination, and difficulty urinating can be symptoms of PID.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Pelvic inflammatory disease can sometimes lead to flu-like symptoms, including:
ChillsFatigueLow-grade or high feverMalaise (a general feeling of being unwell)Swollen lymph nodesWeakness
Stomach Upset
PID sometimes causes gastrointestinal symptoms. You might have a lack of appetite (not feeling hungry) or have vomiting and diarrhea.
Infertility
Around 10% of women with PID become infertile. Even if you’ve already been treated for PID, or you’ve received treatment for STIs, it’s still possible to experience infertility. Some people only discover that they have PID after having infertility testing.
No Symptoms
It is not uncommon for PID to be silent, meaning there are no outward signs or symptoms. You might be diagnosed with PID when your doctor is trying to find a cause for your infertility. PID is a common cause of blocked fallopian tubes. Chlamydia is one sexually transmitted disease that can lead to PID. While about 1 million women are diagnosed each year, half of those women report that they never experienced any symptoms.
When to See Your Doctor
The longer PID goes untreated, the more likely it is to cause damage to the reproductive organs. If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year (even if you have no other infertility risk factors or symptoms) talk to your doctor. If PID is the cause, it is important that you get treatment as soon as possible. If you experience symptoms of acute PID, like a high fever, vomiting, fainting, or severe pain, go to the nearest emergency room.
A Word From Verywell
If you are experiencing symptoms of PID, know that you’re not alone. This condition is fairly common, affecting approximately 1 in 4 women in the U.S. It’s important not to ignore the signs, as PID can get worse if left untreated.
