Pelvic inflammatory disease

Description

An infection of the female reproductive organs, which include the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Overview

Pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by infection with germs. Most often, the germs spread through sex without a condom. Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to the disease.

Symptoms

Pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms can include pain in the lower stomach area and pelvis, heavy vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding from the vagina, pain during sex, fever, and frequent, painful urination.

Treatments

Pelvic inflammatory disease treatment includes medicine called antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Rarely, surgery is needed. An infected person's partner also should get testing and treatment.