​Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder/Disease

Pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It usually occurs when a sexually transmitted disease (STD) travels up from the vagina and reaches the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. PID is a serious condition which can scar and damage reproductive organs, leading to subfertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain and other serious health problems.​​​​​​​​

Gonorrhea and chlamydia (STDs) are the most common causes of PID. PID is most commonly seen in women under 25 years of age, although there is no age limit. Risk factors include:

  • Multiple sexual partners, or having a partner who has multiple sexual partners

  • Unprotected intercourse

  • Frequent douching: the practice of rinsing the vagina with a cleansing agent or even plain water. This can be harmful as it upsets the natural chemical and bacterial balance of the area 

  • Having a history of PID or STDs​

If you are suffering from PID, you may experience the following complaints:

  • Pain or tenderness in lower abdomen, upper right abdomen or pelvis

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor

  • Irregular menstrual bleeding

  • Pain during intercourse

  • Chills or high fever

  • Painful or difficult urination

  • Nausea or vomiting​​


Due to the seriousness of the disease, and its complications, it is important to seek medical help for it at an early stage. Therefore, if you experience any of the above listed symptoms, it is advised that you reach out to your Kidney and Bladder Service physician at The Aga Khan University Hospital. For a preliminary examination, you can also consult doctors working with the Family Health Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital.

You can also seek help from a gynaecologist working with the Women's Health Care Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital. ​


​

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here​ are some tips to help get you started. ​​


​
Your doctor will take a medical history, ask you relevant questions and perform a pelvic examination. Your doctor may also take a sample of any vaginal and cervical secretions as well as urethral and rectal swabs for testing. In addition, other lab tests such as urine tests, and radiology diagnostics, such as ultrasounds, might be ordered. ​

As for all infections, the treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease includes killing the invading bacteria using antibiotics. Whether these are prescribed for you as oral tablets, or you are prompted to be admitted in the hospital to receive intravenous medication, will be determined by severity of infection. Circumstances where you may be asked to get admitted could be that you are pregnant, seriously ill, cannot take oral medication or are not responding to oral prescription. Surgery may also be required in some situations.

If you are sent home with an antibiotic regimen, make sure you take the complete course in a timely manner, even if you are relieved of your complaints after the first few days. This is crucial for your full recovery.​

It is also important to note that once you are diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease, your partner should also be tested and treated. This is important as infections of the reproductive organs are easily transferred to partners during sexual intercourse.

For your own health and for the sake of your partner's health, it will be best to abstain from intercourse until you and your partner have been cleared of the infection. Ask your doctor about contraception and safely practicing intercourse. Our medical staff will be happy to discuss all options with you. ​


The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments' costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.​


Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage. ​
​

​


 

​​The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.