Types of pelvic inflammatory disease

PID is described by severity and by where the infection is. These groupings guide treatment.

By severity

• Mild to moderate PID: pelvic pain and discharge, with mild or no fever. Can usually be treated with antibiotics at home, with review in 2 to 3 days.
• Severe PID: high fever, vomiting, severe pain, or pregnancy, and cases that do not respond to tablets. Needs hospital treatment with injections.

By location of infection

• Endometritis: infection of the womb lining
• Salpingitis: infection of the fallopian tubes
• Oophoritis: infection of the ovaries
• Tubo-ovarian abscess: a pus-filled collection in the tube and ovary, a serious complication
• Pelvic peritonitis: spread to the lining of the pelvis
• Perihepatitis (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome): inflammation around the liver

By duration

• Acute PID: short-term infection with sudden symptoms
• Chronic PID: long-standing or repeated infection leading to scarring and ongoing pain

By cause

• STI-related PID, for example chlamydia or gonorrhoea
• Non-STI PID related to procedures or normal vaginal bacteria
• Tuberculous pelvic infection, which is a different cause that needs different treatment, seen in some regions

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda groups genital tract disorders as Yonivyapad by dosha and does not match these types exactly. This is an interpretive framework.

See a doctor if you are unsure how severe your infection is. Do not self-assess.

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

The type and severity decide whether you need tablets or hospital care.