Overview of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Medically reviewed by Leyla Bilali, RN
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs, occurring when bacteria travels through cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes. PID can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, tubal or ovarian abscesses, adhesions, peritonitis (infection of a silk-like lining that covers the abdominal organs) and perihepatitis (inflammation of the coating of the liver). In rare, severe cases, untreated PID can lead to death.(1)
1. Merck Manual Professional Version. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Updated May 2018.