Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that occurs in your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. Sexually transmitted infections typically cause it. Symptoms include stomach, lower abdominal pain and vaginal discharge. Prompt PID treatment, usually antibiotics, helps avoid complications such as infertility.
You may not realize you have PID. Symptoms might be mild or unnoticeable. But symptoms of PID can also start suddenly. They can include:
- Pain or tenderness in your stomach or lower abdomen (belly), the most common symptom.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, usually yellow or green with an unusual odor.
- Chills or fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Pain during sex.
- Burning when you pee.
- Irregular periods or having spotting or cramping throughout the month.
In some cases, your provider may recommend:
- Endometrial biopsy: Your provider removes a small tissue sample from your uterine lining and tests it for diseases.
- Laparoscopy: Your provider makes small incisions in your pelvis, then inserts a lighted instrument to look more closely at your reproductive organs.