What are the treatments for the infection?

Treatment of mild cases of PID includes antibiotics, pain medicine, bed rest, and avoiding sexual activity. If a woman has an IUD, it will be removed.

With severe symptoms, the woman may need to be hospitalized. Higher doses of antibiotics and pain medicines can be given intravenously. The woman may need surgery to drain pus through the vagina. Other procedures can include removing the injured ovaries, fallopian tubes, or any scar tissue. If the bowel is blocked, surgery can release the obstruction. A hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, is sometimes recommended.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics can cause stomach upset, rash, and allergic reactions. Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

Treating the infection early gives the best results. PID can cause infertility. This happens in roughly 15% of affected women. Each episode of PID increases a woman's risk of infertility. The risk of ectopic pregnancy is also increased. This is because the tubes may be blocked by scar tissue.

How is the infection monitored?

A woman may need to have more frequent cervical tests. A woman's sexual partners should also be checked and treated. Ultrasound exams can check for an abscess that may need to be drained with surgery. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.