Can You Have a Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Without Having an STD?

The majority of PIDs are sexually transmitted. Nonsexual PID may occur in

1. Septic abortions
2. During the medical termination of pregnancy if there is improper sterilization of tools
3. Procedures like dilation and curettage
4. Rupture of an abscess inside the abdomen and it has spread to the uterine tubes

The most common causative microorganisms of PID are sexually transmitted. They include

• Gonorrhea (most common)
• Chlamydia (most common)
• Trichomonas
• Mycoplasma

Several other bacteria can also cause PID, such as

• Staphylococcus
• Klebsiella
• E.coli
• Fusobacteria
• Clostridia
• Actinomyces
• Bacteroides

Some factors that can increase the risk of PID are

• Having unprotected sexual intercourse
• Being a sexually active woman younger than 25 years old
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Being in a sexual relationship with a person who has multiple sexual partners
• Frequent vaginal douching creates an imbalance of good versus harmful bacteria in the vagina
• Using a tampon, intrauterine device (IUD), or douche within the 3- to the 6-week-long period after an abortion or childbirth when the mouth of the uterus remains open and is susceptible to infection
• Using a long-term birth control device, such as an IUD
• Having a history of STDs or PID

The signs and symptoms of the pelvic inflammatory disease vary with each individual. Some may have mild or no signs and symptoms while others may have severe symptoms. Some common signs and symptoms include

• Lower abdominal pain that may be mild or severe
• Fever with or without chills
• Heavy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Abnormal uterine bleeding, especially between menstrual cycles and during or after intercourse
• Pain during urination and increased frequency of urination
• Painful sexual intercourse

The following require immediate medical attention

• Severe abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• High-grade fever, above 101° F (38.3° C)
• Worsening of odor and quantity of vaginal discharge
• Profuse vaginal bleeding

The following can help reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease

• Safe sexual practices: Using a condom every time during intercourse, limiting the number of sexual partners, and being aware of the partner's sexual history can reduce the risk of STDs and PID.
• Consulting a doctor about contraception: Only barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms and diaphragms, can reduce the risk of PID and STDs. Using long-term birth control devices like IUDs can increase the risk of PID. The doctor can recommend alternate birth control methods.
• Maintaining hygiene: Maintaining hygiene of the reproductive area and overall body hygiene can reduce the risk of PID.
• Avoiding vaginal douching: Douching causes an imbalance between good and bad bacteria, negatively affecting vaginal health.
• Safe childbirth and abortions: It is advised to avoid home births because they can increase the risk of infection after delivery, which can lead to PID. It is also advised to avoid getting an abortion done in centers that are not licensed because they may not follow standard hygiene protocols.
• Getting tested regularly: It is advised that sexually active women and men, who are at risk of getting an STD, get tested regularly. This helps in early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of complications.
• Periodic visits to the gynecologist: Since PID can be caused by a wide range of microorganisms and many women may be asymptomatic for a long time, periodic consultations with the gynecologist can help detect diseases early and maintain reproductive health.