Prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease

PID can often be prevented by lowering the chance of sexually transmitted infections and getting treated early.

Steps that help

• Use condoms every time you have sex, as they lower the risk of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and other STIs
• Get tested for STIs regularly if you are sexually active, especially under 25 or with new or more than one partner. Chlamydia often has no symptoms.
• Treat STIs early and make sure your partner is treated too
• Limit the number of partners, and talk openly about testing
• Avoid douching, which can disturb normal vaginal bacteria
• Treat bacterial vaginosis as advised by your doctor
• Ask for STI screening before an IUD insertion or other womb procedure if you have risk factors
• Seek early care for pelvic pain, discharge or pain during sex
• Complete antibiotics and avoid sex until treatment is finished
• HPV and hepatitis B vaccines protect against other infections

After childbirth, abortion or miscarriage

Follow hygiene and follow-up advice, and get care for fever, foul discharge or pain.

Ayurvedic view

Traditional advice for cleanliness, regular routine and wholesome food supports general health. It does not prevent STIs. Claims that a herb prevents PID are not proven.

See a doctor if a partner has an STI, or you have had unprotected sex with a new partner and notice symptoms.

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

Condoms, regular testing and early treatment are the best ways to prevent PID and protect fertility.