Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
Answers to questions about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Why is an ectopic pregnancy more likely if I have PID?
- Can men get PID?
- Will PID go once my course of antibiotics is finished?
Why is an ectopic pregnancy more likely if I have PID?
This is because pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause a blockage in your fallopian tubes (the tubes that go from your ovaries to your womb). This means the egg doesn't pass through to your womb as it usually does during your monthly cycle.
Explanation
When an infection spreads from your cervix (neck of your womb) and along your fallopian tubes, it causes inflammation (salpingitis). This causes the lining of your fallopian tubes to become red and swollen, and the tubes can become very narrow.
Fertilised eggs are no longer able to move along the fallopian tubes properly and can't reach your womb. This leads to an ectopic pregnancy which is when pregnancy occurs outside the womb, for example in one of the fallopian tubes.
Up to one in 20 women who have had PID will have an ectopic pregnancy.
The longer you delay treatment for PID, the greater your risk of having an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, it's important to visit your GP or local sexual health clinic if you think you may have PID. The earlier your treatment starts, the better.
Further information
- The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust
020 7733 2653
www.ectopic.org.uk - fpa
0845 122 8690
www.fpa.org.uk
Sources
- Management of acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Green-top Guideline 32. www.rcog.org.uk, November 2008
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 22 February 2009
Can men get PID?
No, men don't get PID. However, they can get or pass on a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause PID.
Explanation
PID is linked to women because infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia can pass into other areas of the female pelvis. The infection spreads from your vagina and cervix (neck of your womb) to your womb (uterus), ovaries and fallopian tubes (the tubes that go from your ovaries to your womb).
Although PID can often be treated quickly and effectively, if left untreated it can cause infertility - around one in 10 women with a history of PID are infertile. The risk of you becoming infertile after having PID is related to the number of times you have PID and how severe it is.
If you think you may have PID, visit your GP or local sexual health clinic. It's very important to seek help early to reduce your chances of developing complications.
It's also important for men to be tested and treated for the infection so they don't pass it on to anyone else. It's advisable that any partners you have had in the past six months are tested. If you visit a sexual health clinic, staff there can contact your past partners for you. Condoms can reduce the chance of getting or passing on STIs.
Further information
- Condom Essential Wear
0800 567 123
www.condomessentialwear.co.uk - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
www.rcog.org.uk
Sources
- Management of acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Green-top Guideline 32. www.rcog.org.uk, November 2008
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 22 February 2009
Will PID go once my course of antibiotics is finished?
This depends on how severe your PID is and if the antibiotics work for you.
Explanation
Different people respond to treatment in different ways. Your GP will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection for at least two weeks. You're likely to be given two types of antibiotics in tablet form, but if your symptoms don't start to improve in three days you may need more treatment.
You may be admitted to hospital for further tests and treatment if:
- it's not possible to rule out other conditions, such as appendicitis or ectopic pregnancy
- your symptoms are very severe
- you can't keep down any medicine because of vomiting
- you're pregnant
- your symptoms aren't getting any better after three days of antibiotic treatment
If you go into hospital for treatment, you may receive antibiotics through a drip for the first 24 hours, followed by tablets.
If you have an abscess in your pelvis caused by the infection, you may need an operation to have this drained to ease your PID symptoms.
There is also the possibility that your symptoms are caused by another condition. You may need to have other tests to rule these out. Ask your doctor for more information.
Further information
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
www.rcog.org.uk - fpa
0845 122 8690
www.fpa.org.uk
Sources
- Management of acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Green-top Guideline 32. www.rcog.org.uk, November 2008
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 22 February 2009
Related topics
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Antibiotics
- Chlamydia
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Gonorrhoea
- Non-hormonal contraception
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2009
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) factsheet
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