Definition
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. PID can cause scar tissue to form in the pelvis and fallopian tubes. This damage may result in infertility, a future tubal pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain.
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Causes
PID is caused by bacteria that travel to the reproductive organs. A single bacteria or mixture of several bacteria may cause the infection. The most common bacteria that initiate PID are gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Factors that increase your risk include:
- Current or previous sexually-transmitted disease (STD)
- Multiple sex partners
- Sexual intercourse with a partner who has an STD
- Intercourse without the protection of a condom
- Age: 15-24 years old <