What is pelvic inflammatory disease? (Introduction)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female upper genital tract, which includes the womb (uterus), fallopian tubes and ovaries. It usually starts when bacteria from the vagina or cervix travel upward. Often these are bacteria that cause sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, but other bacteria can also cause it.

Who is affected

It mostly affects sexually active women under 35. Risk is higher with new or multiple partners, a past STI, previous PID, or after procedures such as an IUD insertion, abortion or childbirth, in some cases.

Why it matters

PID can be mild or even silent, but untreated or late-treated infection can scar the fallopian tubes. This raises the risk of long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Early treatment protects fertility.

Main features

• Lower belly or pelvic pain
• Unusual vaginal discharge, often with an odour
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Fever in more severe cases

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda discusses vaginal discharge and pelvic pain under Yonivyapad and Shweta pradara, linked to Kapha and Pitta. This is an interpretive framework and does not replace antibiotics.

Emergency: severe pelvic pain with fever, vomiting or fainting needs urgent medical care.

See a doctor if you have pelvic pain, new discharge or pain during sex. Early antibiotics matter.

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 a treatable infection. Getting care early protects your health and fertility, and there is no shame in it.