WHAT IS PID?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female upper genital tract.

It may occur when untreated  STIs and  non STIs such as anaerobic organisms spreads from the vagina and cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. PID can be serious and can lead to infertility.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

PID may be caused by getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which then spreads.

It is possible to get PID after getting an IUD inserted or after an abortion. The normal bacteria in your vagina can also cause PID.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

• Pain in the lower stomach or back
• Pain during sex
• Fevers
• Different discharge
• Heavy or painful periods
• Bleeding after sex or between periods

However there may not be any symptoms at all.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

• If the doctor thinks it is very likely that you have PID, they will give you mixure of antibiotics. It’s important you finish all of the antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.
• You will be advised not to have sex while you are taking the antibiotics.
• Your partner should also get an STI test and have treatment before you have sex again, otherwise you could catch the STI again.
• If you have PID more than once, it can cause infertility (difficult to get pregnant), ectopic pregnancy (in the fallopian tubes) or can leave you with long term pain.

HOW WILL IT IMPACT MY PARTNER/S?

If you have PID, you should talk to your partner about getting an STI test and treatment.

HOW CAN I STOP GETTING IT IN FUTURE?

• Practice safe sex. Use condoms every time you have sex, limit your number of partners and ask about a potential partner's sexual history.
• Make sure you and your sexual partners get regular STI tests and treatment if needed.

To find the nearest FPA clinic: https://www.fpasrilanka.org/find-a-clinic