Overview
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries, usually caused by bacteria travelling up from the vagina, often from sexually transmitted infections. It causes lower belly pain, abnormal discharge and sometimes fever. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is important because untreated infection can scar the tubes and lead to long-term pelvic pain, difficulty conceiving, or a dangerous pregnancy outside the womb.
Symptoms
- Pain in the lower belly and pelvis
- Abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse or when passing urine
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Fever and feeling unwell in more severe cases
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly for lower-belly pain with abnormal discharge or fever — early treatment protects future fertility.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Severe lower-belly pain with high fever and vomiting, or fainting — seek care immediately
Causes
Bacteria, often from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, spreading up into the reproductive organs.