Pelvic inflammatory disease: the facts

Known as PID, pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by bacterial infection of the pelvic organs and surrounding tissues, including the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Bacteria pass from the vagina through the cervix into the cavity of the uterus. From there they can ascend through the tubes to the ovaries and into the peritoneal cavity in which the pelvic organs are suspended by slings of tissue.

The bacteria most commonly responsible are chlamydia and gonorrhoea, two very common STIs (sexually transmitted infections), although it is thought that some bacteria which normally exist harmlessly in the vagina and bowel may be involved on occasion. The mechanism of this is not well known but it is thought that the normally protective mucus plug in the cervix becomes less effective during a period and at ovulation, enabling bacteria to pass through into the upper genital tract.

PID can occur after having a baby, a miscarriage or termination, and after an IUD (coil) has been fitted. Most commonly it happens after having unprotected vaginal sex with an infected partner.

Who is at risk?