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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - aftercare

PID - aftercare; Oophoritis - aftercare; Salpingitis - aftercare; Salpingo - oophoritis - aftercare; Salpingo - peritonitis - aftercare; STD - PID aftercare; Sexually transmitted disease - PID aftercare; GC - PID aftercare; Gonococcal - PID aftercare; Chlamydia - PID aftercare

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Description

You have just seen your health care provider for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID refers to an infection of the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

Treating the Infection

To fully treat PID, you may need to take one or more antibiotics. Taking antibiotic medicine will help clear the infection in about 2 weeks.

To prevent PID from coming back, your sexual partner must be treated as well.

Side Effects of Treatment

Antibiotics can have side effects, including:

Let your provider know if you experience any side effects. Do not cut back or stop taking your medicine without talking with your doctor.

Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause PID. But they also kill other types of helpful bacteria in your body. This can cause diarrhea or vaginal yeast infections in women.

Probiotics are small organisms found in yogurt and some supplements. Probiotics are thought to help friendly bacteria grow in your gut. This may help prevent diarrhea. However, studies are mixed about the benefits of probiotics.

You can try eating yogurt with live cultures or taking supplements to help prevent side effects. Be sure to tell your provider if you take any supplements.

Prevent Future Infections with Safe sex

The only sure way to prevent an STI is to not have sex (abstinence). But you can reduce your risk of PID by:

When to Call the Doctor

Call your provider if:

References

Beigi RH. Infections of the female pelvis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 109.

Richards DB, Taha J. Pelvic inflammatory disease. In: Bakes KM, Buchanan JA, Moreira ME, Byyny R, Pons PT, eds. Emergency Medicine Secrets. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 78.

Smith RP. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In: Smith RP, ed. Netter's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 155.

Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. PMID: 34292926 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34292926/.

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Review Date: 1/10/2022  

Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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