Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs - uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and ovaries. PID usually occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus and upper genital tract. PID may also develop when bacteria travel up a contraceptive device or when they're introduced during gynecologic procedures, such as insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) or an abortion.

Many women who develop PID either experience no signs or symptoms or don't seek treatment. PID may be detected only later when a woman has trouble becoming pregnant and learns that her reproductive organs have been damaged. PID may also be detected when a woman develops chronic pelvic pain.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may include:

• Pain in your lower abdomen and pelvis

• Heavy vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor

• Irregular menstrual bleeding

• Pain during intercourse

• Low back pain

• Fever, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting

• Painful or difficult urination

• Back pain

• Diarrhea

• Fatigue

• vomiting

PID may cause only minor signs and symptoms or none at all. PID is without symptoms (asymptomatic) two-thirds of the time.

Asymptomatic PID is especially common when the infection is due to chlamydia. The lack of signs and symptoms increases the likelihood that you'll pass chlamydia to other sexual partners and suffer serious damage to your reproductive organs.

• Back pain

• Chlamydia

Emergency signs and symptoms of PID include:

If these signs and symptoms occur, go to the emergency room.

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