PID

Serious gynaecological condition characterized by lower abdominal pain, malaise, and fever; menstruation may be disrupted; infertility may result. Treatment is with antibiotics. The incidence of the disease is twice as high in women using intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs).

PID is potentially life-threatening, and, while mild episodes usually respond to antibiotics, surgery may be necessary in cases of severe or recurrent pelvic infection. The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (see chlamydia) has been implicated in a high proportion of cases. The condition is increasingly common.