Pelvic inflammatory disease
What is pelvic inflammatory disease? Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. What are the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease? Pain around the pelvis or lower tummy Pain during sex Bleeding after sex Pain when urinating Bleeding between periods Period problems Unusual vaginal discharge What is the treatment for pelv
What it is
PID is usually caused by ascending infection from the lower genital tract — most commonly Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or polymicrobial including anaerobes and mycoplasma. Empirical treatment is standard given the cost of delayed treatment, which includes infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.
Symptoms and signs
- Bilateral lower abdominal or pelvic pain (often mild initially).
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, post-coital or inter-menstrual bleeding.
- Pain on intercourse (deep dyspareunia).
- Fever, malaise — in moderate-to-severe presentations.
- Asymptomatic carriage of chlamydia or gonorrhoea identified on screening, with a partner re-exposure history.
How we investigate
STI testing including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma genitalium, trichomonas; pelvic examination; HCG to exclude ectopic pregnancy; FBC and CRP; pelvic ultrasound where tubo-ovarian abscess is suspected.
Treatment options at The Vesey
- Empirical antibiotic therapy — current BASHH-guideline regimen (typically ceftriaxone IM, doxycycline and metronidazole for 14 days).
- Same-day initiation while awaiting microbiology results.
- Partner notification and treatment — coordinated with sexual-health services.
- Pain management and follow-up at 72 hours and 2–4 weeks.
- Surgical drainage referral for tubo-ovarian abscess.
- Fertility-aware follow-up — discussion of post-PID risks and pre-conception planning.
Can PID affect my fertility? +
Yes. Each episode of PID increases the risk of tubal damage, which can lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility. The risk rises with the number of PID episodes and with delayed treatment — which is why early empirical antibiotic therapy is so important.
Does my partner need to be treated as well? +
Yes. Partner notification and treatment is a core part of PID management. Current sexual partners should be tested and treated to prevent re-infection. We can coordinate this or provide a letter for your partner to take to their GP or sexual health clinic.
How is PID different from a UTI or ovarian cyst? +
PID causes bilateral lower pelvic tenderness, often with cervical motion tenderness on examination. A UTI primarily causes urinary symptoms. An ovarian cyst typically causes one-sided pain. Distinguishing between them requires clinical examination and, often, an STI screen and pelvic ultrasound.
Can I have PID without any symptoms? +
Yes. Sub-clinical PID — where there are no or very mild symptoms — is common, particularly with chlamydia infection. It can still cause tubal scarring over time. If you have had a chlamydia or gonorrhoea diagnosis in the past, it is worth discussing with a gynaecologist whether you need any follow-up.
Pricing at a glance
Initial rapid-access consultation £260. Full STI panel from £190. Empirical antibiotic course from £45. Follow-up reviews £180. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to see a specialist
Book urgently if you have new pelvic pain with discharge, fever, or following a recent STI exposure. Untreated PID is more harmful than treated PID — we will start empirical treatment same-day if the clinical picture supports it.
Cost and pathway
Initial rapid-access consultation £260. Full STI panel from £190. Empirical antibiotic course from £45. Follow-up reviews £180.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our gynaecology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View our gynaecology services →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727