Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease might be mild and difficult to recognize. Some women don't have any signs or symptoms. When signs and symptoms of PID are present, they most often include:

• Pain — ranging from mild to severe — in your lower abdomen and pelvis
• Abnormal or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odor
• Abnormal uterine bleeding, especially during or after intercourse, or between menstrual cycles
• Pain during intercourse
• Fever, sometimes with chills
• Painful, frequent or difficult urination

When to see a doctor

See your doctor or seek urgent medical care if you experience:

• Severe pain low in your abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting, with an inability to keep anything down
• Fever, with a temperature higher than 101 F (38.3 C)
• Foul vaginal discharge

If you have signs and symptoms of PID that aren't severe, still see your doctor as soon as possible. Vaginal discharge with an odor, painful urination or bleeding between menstrual cycles can also be symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If these signs and symptoms occur, stop having sex and see your doctor soon. Prompt treatment of an STI can help prevent PID.