According to the Centers for Disease Control and Infection, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is the term that refers to an infection of a female’s reproductive organs. Perhaps what's most worrisome about PID is that it often goes unnoticed by women and undetected by their doctors — if untreated, it can eventually lead to permanent and serious damage, including infertility. To learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for PID, read more

• PID occurs when bacteria moves past the vagina and cervix and into the reproductive organs. While numerous kinds of bacteria can cause PID, two of the most common infections associated with this disease are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
• Douching and having an IUD can also increase the risk of developing PID because they can make it easier for bacteria to grow in the uterus.
• Unfortunately, symptoms of PID vary greatly, and in fact, in many cases a woman will not be aware that she has anything to worry about. The most common symptom is lower abdominal pain, but if you’ve noticed any strange discharge, painful urination, odor, pain during intercourse, or a noticeably more uncomfortable period talk to your gynecologist.
• There is no specific test for diagnosing PID. However, if your doctor suspects PID, she is likely to run blood tests and/or perform a pelvic ultrasound to confirm. Treatment of PID typically requires the use of multiple antibiotics in order to effectively kill all of the potential bacteria that might be the cause.
• Like all infections, the sooner PID is treated the better. The longer it goes undetected, the more likely it is that the offending bacteria will invade healthy tissue creating scar tissue, which can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes and ultimately, an increased possibility of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic discomfort. This damage is irreversible.

PID is the leading cause of preventable infertility in women, so while it may not be an STI, it still needs to be treated just as seriously. Take the necessary precautions during intercourse and make sure to address any physical abnormalities with a trip to the gynecologist.

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