Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that travels up from the cervix into the uterus, the tubes and the pelvis. Chlamydia and gonorrhea cause most cases. The infection can be quiet, with little pain, and still leave scarring behind.

The scarring is what reaches fertility. Infertility follows one episode of PID in about 12 percent of women. After three or more episodes it follows in more than half.¹ Up to 40 percent of untreated chlamydia infections in women may turn into PID.¹ Damaged tubes and pelvic adhesions are the lasting result. Both can be treated by surgery.

A history of PID is a reason to look at the tubes early, with a hysterosalpingogram or a diagnostic laparoscopy.