Matenga whakawaikura papatoiake Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. 

It can also happen after surgery, pregnancy, or having an intrauterine contraceptive device fitted.

Symptoms range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are: 

• pain or tenderness in the tummy or lower abdomen 
• abnormal vaginal discharge (change in colour or bad smell)
• heavy or painful periods
• unusual bleeding such as after sex or between periods
• pain during sex. 

In severe cases, you can become very unwell with fever, vomiting and severe tummy pain. If this happens, you should get medical help straightaway. 

Complications of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Having Pelvic Inflammatory Disease increases your risk of:

• infertility (difficulty getting pregnant)
• ectopic pregnancy (where the baby grows outside the womb)
• chronic long-term pain.

You are more likely to have complications if you do not get treatment early, or if you have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease more than once.

There is no specific test to diagnose Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. You will be diagnosed based on your symptoms and an examination. 

You will have a swab to check for sexually transmitted infections. 

You may also have a blood and urine test.

You can get tested at:

• your healthcare provider
• sexual health clinics (external link)
• Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (external link)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is treated with antibiotics. 

Tell anyone you have been in close contact with for the last 3 months so they can also get treatment.  

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is usually the result of a sexually transmitted infection.

• Prevent infections by using a condom every time you have sex.
• Make sure your sexual partners are tested and treated for infections.