Many women have never heard of pelvic inflammatory disease, also called PID. PID is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs. It’s caused by bacteria that travel up through the vagina into the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. The infection may affect only the fallopian tubes. Or it may affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can happen to any woman who is sexually active. But it’s most common in women younger than age 25. Pelvic inflammatory disease can be caused in several ways. Having multiple sex partners raises a woman’s risk of PID. Having a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia is a risk factor. Use of an intrauterine device, or IUD, can also raise the risk of PID in the first few weeks after the IUD is put in. Some minor procedures done to the uterus or cervix can raise a woman’s risk of PID. Using a douche may also raise your risk.
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Author: Wheeler, Brooke
Online Medical Reviewer: Foster, Sara, RN, MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Freeborn, Donna, PhD, FNP-BC, CNM
Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2020
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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