When To Call a Doctor

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) symptoms often don't develop until inflammation or scar tissue (adhesions) develop. Scar tissue can cause ongoing (chronic) pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. For this reason, immediate medical attention is necessary to treat possible PID symptoms or complications.

Call your doctor immediately if you have abdominal pain and any of the following:

• A positive home pregnancy test (possible ectopic pregnancy)
• Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
• Pain or difficulty urinating

Call your doctor to find out when an evaluation is needed if you:

• Have a dull pain, unusual or persistent cramping, or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.
• Need to urinate frequently or have pain, burning, or itching with urination for longer than 24 hours.
• Have pain during sex (dyspareunia), especially in the abdomen.
• Have abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Suspect that you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Have a vaginal discharge that is yellow or green or smells bad.
• Have bleeding between menstrual periods.
• Bleed after sexual intercourse or after vaginal douching.
• Have a sex partner who has any symptoms of an STI (such as discharge, genital sores, or pain in the genital area).

If you have not been diagnosed with PID but you have symptoms that concern you, see the following topics:

• Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
• Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older

Watchful Waiting

Any symptoms or other changes that suggest PID or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Watchful waiting is not appropriate.

• Early treatment (within 48 to 72 hours after symptoms begin) may reduce or prevent complications of PID.
• To prevent spreading a possible infection, avoid sexual intercourse until you are evaluated.

To prevent reinfection from an STI, be sure that anyone you have had sexual contact with has been tested, treated if necessary, and uses condoms when you resume sexual relations.

Who To See

The following health professionals can diagnose and treat pelvic inflammatory disease (PID):

• Physician assistant (PA)
• Nurse practitioner
• Family medicine physician
• Internist
• Gynecologist
• Emergency medicine specialist

Complications of PID are usually treated by a gynecologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.