Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common yet complicated condition which affects the upper genital tract, including the Fallopian tubes, ovaries and the ligaments surrounding the upper pelvic area. When the inflammation specifically affects the Fallopian tubes it is sometimes called salpingitis or endosalpingitis.

It is thought to be caused mainly by infection with Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, although other pathogens such as mycoplasma, tuberculosis, actinomycosis, CMV and herpes, or about 40 other sources of infection may sometimes also be to blame. Some of these other bacteria are normally found in the vagina but are allowed to grow abnormally by changes in the bacterial balance of the vagina. The uterus is normally protected from bacteria in the vagina by a plug of mucus and the endocervical canal; infection with Chlamydia or gonorrhoea is thought to damage the canal, allowing these and other organisms to penetrate into the uterus. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle may affect the protective mucus, which is also released during the menses.

PID does not immediately result from infection; the causative organisms can produce low-level infection for weeks or even months before PID occurs. Without correct diagnosis and treatment, PID can become a recurrent, chronic or life-threatening health problem. With prompt treatment, it can be completely curable.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.