The bacteria that cause PID can be sexually transmitted. Two examples are gonorrhea and chlamydia , which may travel from the vagina and cervix into the upper genital tract. PID is usually caused by a combination of bacteria, not just one.
Early treatment is the best way to prevent complications.
A woman may present with a wide variety of symptoms, making diagnosis difficult. Your health care provider may decide you have PID after excluding similarly presenting conditions such as appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, kidney infections, ovarian cyst, or intestinal infections. Lower abdominal pain, similar to menstrual cramps. Increased vaginal discharge. Nausea, vomiting, chills, and fever.