H o w c a n I l o w e r m y r i s k f o r P I D ?

•	 To prevent PID, avoid getting an STD.

•	 If you do have an STD, see a doctor and get it treated

right away.

•	 The surest way to avoid getting an STD is not to have

sex, or to have sex only with someone who’s not infected

and who has sex only with you.

•	 Condoms can reduce your risk of getting some STDs if

they are used the right way every single time you have sex.

•	 Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex will

not prevent any STD.

P r o t e c t Y o u r s e l f + P r o t e c T Y o u r P a r t n e r
H o w c a n I l o w e r m y r i s k f o r P I D ?

•	 To prevent PID, avoid getting an STD.

•	 If you do have an STD, see a doctor and get it treated

right away.

•	 The surest way to avoid getting an STD is not to have

sex, or to have sex only with someone who’s not infected

and who has sex only with you.

•	 Condoms can reduce your risk of getting some STDs if

they are used the right way every single time you have sex.

•	 Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex will

not prevent any STD.

P r o t e c t Y o u r s e l f + P r o t e c T Y o u r P a r t n e r
H o w c a n I l o w e r m y r i s k f o r P I D ?

•	 To prevent PID, avoid getting an STD.

•	 If you do have an STD, see a doctor and get it treated

right away.

•	 The surest way to avoid getting an STD is not to have

sex, or to have sex only with someone who’s not infected

and who has sex only with you.

•	 Condoms can reduce your risk of getting some STDs if

they are used the right way every single time you have sex.

•	 Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex will

not prevent any STD.

P r o t e c t Y o u r s e l f + P r o t e c T Y o u r P a r t n e r
H o w c a n I l o w e r m y r i s k f o r P I D ?

•	 To prevent PID, avoid getting an STD.

•	 If you do have an STD, see a doctor and get it treated

right away.

•	 The surest way to avoid getting an STD is not to have

sex, or to have sex only with someone who’s not infected

and who has sex only with you.

•	 Condoms can reduce your risk of getting some STDs if

they are used the right way every single time you have sex.

•	 Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex will

not prevent any STD.

P r o t e c t Y o u r s e l f + P r o t e c T Y o u r P a r t n e r
How can I find out if I have PID?

There’s no test for PID. Usually, a doctor 

will decide if you have it from your 

symptoms. The doctor can examine 

you and give you a test for chlamydia 

or gonorrhea. These common STDs 

often cause PID. 
How can I find out if I have PID?

There’s no test for PID. Usually, a doctor 

will decide if you have it from your 

symptoms. The doctor can examine 

you and give you a test for chlamydia 

or gonorrhea. These common STDs 

often cause PID. 
How can I find out if I have PID?

There’s no test for PID. Usually, a doctor 

will decide if you have it from your 

symptoms. The doctor can examine 

you and give you a test for chlamydia 

or gonorrhea. These common STDs 

often cause PID. 
How can I find out if I have PID?

There’s no test for PID. Usually, a doctor 

will decide if you have it from your 

symptoms. The doctor can examine 

you and give you a test for chlamydia 

or gonorrhea. These common STDs 

often cause PID. 
How can I find out if I have PID?

There’s no test for PID. Usually, a doctor 

will decide if you have it from your 

symptoms. The doctor can examine 

you and give you a test for chlamydia 

or gonorrhea. These common STDs 

often cause PID. 
A message for everyone

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER.

Always see a doctor if your partner is being treated for an STD. Also 

see the doctor if you or your sex partner notice any symptoms, such 

as an unusual discharge.

If you have one STD, you should be tested for others. Be sure to tell 

your recent sex partners, so they can get tested too. Talk openly and 

honestly with your partner about STDs.

For more information

• Talk with your doctor.

• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

• Visit www.cdc.gov/std/PID/STDFact-PID.htm.

CDC Publication No. 99-8827