PID can permanently scar and damage the fallopian tubes, causing blockage of the tubes. About 12% of women suffer enough tubal damage from one episode of PID to become infertile. After three episodes of PID, the infertility rate reaches 50%.
Infertility—One in 10 women with PID becomes infertile. PID can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes. This scarring can block the tubes and prevent an egg from being fertilized. Ectopic pregnancy—Scarring from PID also can prevent a fertilized egg from moving into the uterus.
PID symptoms can appear shortly after being diagnosed with an STD such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. It may take upwards of a year for most people to develop PID, but others can develop it earlier, depending on the severity of the infection.
If left untreated, PID can cause long-term scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes. This may lead to infertility because the fertilised egg is unable to pass through the fallopian tube to the uterus (womb).
Recurrent episodes of PID and increased severity of tubal inflammation detected by laparoscopy are associated with greater risk of infertility following PID. However, even subclinical PID has been associated with infertility.
Most women who are treated for PID have no problems conceiving or carrying a pregnancy in the future . However, if you have severe PID or your PID goes untreated, it could damage your fallopian tubes and affect your fertility (BASHH 2011, NICE 2015).
After a successful treatment, some women can get pregnant naturally after several months of trying. Despite clearing the infection, some women still become infertile. Infertility can happen due to repeated PID, chronic pain, scarring, ectopic pregnancy, or abscesses in the fallopian tubes.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause pelvic pain that might last for months or years. Scarring in your fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs can cause pain during intercourse and ovulation.
Sometimes PID can lead to long-term (chronic) pain around your pelvis and lower abdomen, which can be difficult to live with and lead to further problems, such as depression and difficulty sleeping (insomnia). If you develop chronic pelvic pain, you may be given painkillers to help control your symptoms.
It can take from weeks to two years. Chlamydia can lead to infertility in women due to the amount of scarring it causes to their internal reproductive organs. If you have had unprotected sex and not had a chlamydia test, you should get tested before trying to start a family.
PID affects about 5% of women in the United States. Your risk for PID is higher if you: Have had an STI. Have had PID before.
pain around the pelvis or lower tummy. discomfort or pain during sex that's felt deep inside the pelvis. pain when peeing. bleeding between periods and after sex.
What Causes Infertility? Problems with ovulation are the most common reasons for infertility in women. A woman's age, hormonal imbalances, weight, exposure to chemicals or radiation and cigarette smoking all have an impact on fertility.
Most women who have had chlamydia won't have any difficulties conceiving that are related to the infection. There may be a greater chance of chlamydia affecting fertility if you have repeated infections or if it goes untreated and causes a condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
PID occurs most frequently in women ages 15 to 25 years.
A pelvic ultrasound is a helpful procedure for diagnosing PID. An ultrasound can view the pelvic area to see whether the fallopian tubes are enlarged or whether an abscess is present. In some cases, a laparoscopy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms of uterine infections commonly include pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, fever (usually within 1 to 3 days after delivery), paleness, chills, a general feeling of illness or discomfort, and often headache and loss of appetite. The heart rate is often rapid. The uterus is swollen, tender, and soft.
Vaginal discharge that is yellow or green and may have an unpleasant smell. Irregular menstrual periods, such as extra-long periods, spotting, or cramps throughout the month. Chills, fever, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Pain during sex.
Many kinds of bacteria can cause PID. The most common bacteria are two sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), gonorrhea and Chlamydia. But, bacteria that are usually found in the vagina may also cause PID.
PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which can lead to infertility.
Greater than 85% of PID cases are caused by BV-related bacteria and/or STIs.