When to Seek Medical Care

If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you should see your health care provider:

• Abdominal pain that does not go away
  
  
• Irregular vaginal bleeding
  
  
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  
  
• Unusual vaginal discharge
  
  
• Fever, nausea, vomiting

Given the long-term complications PID can cause, such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms:

• Lower abdominal pain or tenderness
  
  
• Fever greater than 101°F (38.3°C)
  
  
• Abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Adult women with PID are either closely monitored or admitted to the hospital. More aggressive treatment may take place in the hospital for adolescents, who are at a much higher risk of not following treatment plans and of having complications.

You may be admitted to the hospital if any of the following are true:

• The diagnosis is unclear.
  
  
• Ectopic pregnancy or appendicitis cannot be ruled out.
  
  
• You are pregnant.
  
  
• An abscess (an infection) is suspected.
  
  
• You are acutely ill or cannot manage your illness at home.

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