Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as pelvic infection, womb infection.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
PID is infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries, usually from untreated sexually transmitted infections that travel upward. It causes lower abdominal pain and abnormal discharge — and silently scars the tubes, making it a major cause of infertility and ectopic pregnancy among Nigerian women. Early antibiotic treatment prevents that damage.
Symptoms
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Abnormal vaginal discharge, sometimes with odour
Pain during or after sex
Bleeding between periods or after sex
Fever
Pain when urinating
Causes & risk factors
Untreated gonorrhoea or chlamydia ascending from the cervix
Other bacterial infections after delivery, miscarriage or procedures
Multiple partners without condom use
Douching disturbing the natural balance
Treatment & self-care
PID is treated with a full course of antibiotics prescribed after assessment — completed entirely, even when pain settles early — and sexual partners must be treated to prevent reinfection. Severe cases with high fever or an abscess need hospital care. Avoid sex until treatment is complete, and treat any STI promptly in future.
See a doctor urgently if
Lower abdominal pain with abnormal discharge or fever
Severe pelvic pain — same day
Pain with vomiting or fainting
Symptoms after a recent delivery, miscarriage or procedure
Missed period with pelvic pain (rule out ectopic)
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?
Early signs often include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, sometimes with odour, pain during or after sex. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) be treated?
PID is treated with a full course of antibiotics prescribed after assessment — completed entirely, even when pain settles early — and sexual partners must be treated to prevent reinfection. Severe cases with high fever or an abscess need hospital care. Avoid sex until treatment is complete, and treat any STI promptly in future.
When should I see a doctor about Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: lower abdominal pain with abnormal discharge or fever; severe pelvic pain — same day; pain with vomiting or fainting; symptoms after a recent delivery, miscarriage or procedure; missed period with pelvic pain (rule out ectopic).