Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

PID is an ascending infection, usually sexually transmitted (chlamydia or gonorrhea), that spreads from the cervix and vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Even when treated promptly with antibiotics, PID can leave permanent tubal scarring, adhesions, and damage that increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

The risk of infertility rises with the number of PID episodes: approximately 12% after one episode, 25% after two, and 50% or more after three. Women with a history of PID who have difficulty conceiving should have tubal patency assessed (HSG or laparoscopy) early in their fertility evaluation. IVF bypasses the tubes entirely and is often the recommended treatment when tubal damage is confirmed.