Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It most often occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.
The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease can be subtle or mild. Some women don't experience any signs or symptoms. As a result, you might not realize you have it until you have trouble getting pregnant or you develop chronic pelvic pain.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease might be mild and difficult to recognize. Some women don't have any signs or symptoms. When signs and symptoms of PID are present, they most often include:
- Pain — ranging from mild to severe — in your lower abdomen and pelvis
- Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odor
- Unusual bleeding from the vagina, especially during or after sex, or between periods
- Pain during sex
- Fever, sometimes with chills
- Painful, frequent or difficult urination
