Causes of pelvic inflammatory disease

PID happens when bacteria spread upward from the vagina and cervix into the womb, tubes and ovaries.

Common causes

• Chlamydia and gonorrhoea: sexually transmitted bacteria are the main cause in many women. These infections may have no symptoms.
• Other organisms: Mycoplasma genitalium, and bacteria from bacterial vaginosis, such as anaerobes
• Bacteria that normally live in the vagina may also reach the upper tract

Things that raise the risk

• New partner or more than one partner, or a partner with an STI
• Having had an STI or PID before
• Not using condoms
• Age under 25
• Recent procedures: IUD insertion in the first weeks, abortion, miscarriage, childbirth, or endometrial biopsy, uncommon but possible
• Douching, which may push bacteria upward and disturb normal vaginal bacteria
• Bacterial vaginosis

What does not cause PID

Using tampons, toilet seats or swimming pools do not cause PID. Cold weather or diet do not cause it.

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda attributes pelvic infection and discharge to aggravated Kapha and Pitta, poor hygiene and unwholesome habits. This is an interpretive framework, and it does not replace testing for infection.

What you can do

Use condoms, get tested for STIs, treat partners, and avoid douching.

See a doctor if you or a partner have an STI, or you notice abnormal discharge or pelvic pain.

When to get help

See a doctor promptly for pelvic pain, new discharge, fever or pain during sex. Go to hospital for severe pain with fever, repeated vomiting, fainting, or sharp one-sided pain with a missed period. Early antibiotics protect your fertility.

Remember

PID is usually caused by treatable bacteria. Testing and treating both partners prevents repeat infection.