Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Home care

• You will likely be prescribed a combination of antibiotics. Take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

• To help relieve pain, you may take over-the-counter pain medicine. Pain medicine may also be prescribed, if needed.

• Tell any partners you’ve had sex with about your condition. They will need to be tested for infection and treated as well.

• Don't have sex until you and any partners have finished treatment and tests show that you are no longer infected.

Prevention

• If you choose to have sex, make sure to practice safer sex. For instance, have sex with only one partner who only has sex with you. Ask your partner to be tested for STIs. Each time you have sex, use latex condoms. These help reduce the risk for STIs.

• Don't douche unless advised to by your doctor. Douching may increase the risk for PID.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor as advised.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if:

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor.

• Your symptoms don't improve after 2 days of treatment.

• You have new or increasing pain in your lower belly or back.

• You have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge.

• You have weakness, dizziness, or fainting.

• You have nausea or vomiting.

• You have trouble with urination or pain and burning during urination.

• You have a rash or joint pain.

• You have painful open sores around the vagina.

• You have swollen or painful lymph nodes in the groin (these may be felt as lumps in the groin).

To learn more

To learn more about PID and STIs, contact:

• CDC National STI Hotline at www.cdc.gov/std/ or 800-232-4636