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Pelvic inflammatory disease
- See a gynaecologist or sexual health specialist within 24 hours
- Quick, reliable pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosis and treatment
- Dedicated private facilities for women
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Pelvic inflammatory disease at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Pelvic inflammatory disease can be painful and worrying for your long-term wellbeing. For many, the condition can develop without you realising. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, no matter how mild or serious, our dedicated women's health experts are here to help.
You can book an appointment with a private GP or sexual health specialist at our comfortable private facilities in London, Manchester or Birmingham. They'll perform a series of tests in a single visit, so you gain clear answers with minimal disruption to your routine. If needed, you can begin quick, effective treatment the same day.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of your reproductive system, including the womb (uterus), fallopian tubes and ovaries. It usually occurs when bacteria spread upwards from your vagina to these organs, often but not always due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Symptoms can be mild or non-existent for some women, so it's not always easy to know if you've got it. In rarer cases, symptoms can become severe. Either way, prompt testing and treatment are important to avoid long-term complications such as infertility.
With HCA UK, you can quickly access the care you need for your health and wellbeing.
Signs of pelvic inflammatory disease can be subtle. You may experience one or more mild symptoms, including:
- Pelvis or lower stomach pain
- Unusual, smelly vaginal discharge that's yellow or green
- Pain during sex
- Pain when urinating
- Heavy or painful periods
- Bleeding from your vagina during or after sex or between periods
Some women go on to have more severe stomach pain and a high temperature with nausea and vomiting. Whatever your experience, our specialist GPs and gynaecologists can provide quick and effective treatment to help you feel back to normal.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can happen when bacteria travel from your vagina to your reproductive organs. The main causes include:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or mycoplasma genitalium are usually passed on during unprotected sex.
- Other bacteria that naturally live in your vagina but move to your reproductive organs after childbirth, miscarriage, abortion or when a contraceptive intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted.
STIs are the most common cause. Your risk may be higher if you've had new or multiple sexual partners or a history of STIs. If you develop an STI or pelvic inflammatory disease, we'll support you with practical advice on prevention and the right treatment to help you recover.
If you notice any possible signs of pelvic inflammatory disease, even if they seem mild, you should arrange to see a gynaecologist or a sexual health specialist. Seek medical help immediately if you experience severe pain or develop a high fever.
Quick diagnosis and treatment protect you from long-term damage and complications. If an STI causes your symptoms, prompt treatment often stops it from developing into pelvic inflammatory disease. Whatever your situation, we'll support you every step of the way.
Quick diagnosis and treatment protect you from long-term damage and complications. If an STI causes your symptoms, prompt treatment often stops it from developing into pelvic inflammatory disease. Whatever your situation, we'll support you every step of the way.
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Pelvic inflammatory disease tests and scans at HCA UK
Expert care from dedicated women's health specialists
There isn't a single test for pelvic inflammatory disease. Our women's health specialists will listen to your symptoms, review your medical and sexual history and carry out a physical examination to give you clarity.
Your consultant will carefully explain each step so that you know what to expect. In most cases, you'll undergo all necessary tests in a single appointment to minimise disruption to your life. For an accurate, reliable diagnosis, your specialist may also take swabs from your vagina and cervix, along with:
- Blood tests
- A urine test
- A pelvic inflammatory disease ultrasound scan
- A laparoscopy
Pelvic inflammatory disease treatments at HCA UK
Exceptional care, tailored to your needs
If you receive a diagnosis, our specialists will act promptly to alleviate symptoms and minimise the risk of long-term complications. If caught early, pelvic inflammatory disease is usually treated with antibiotics and follow-up checks. Treatment may include:
- Oral antibiotics
- Intravenous antibiotics
- Surgery to drain pelvic abscesses
During recovery, you should avoid sex until your antibiotics are finished, ensure partner(s) are tested and treated and attend follow-ups. Your gynaecology consultant will give clear advice to support recovery and prevent reinfection.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Pelvic inflammatory disease FAQs
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a relatively common condition. Thousands of women are diagnosed with it each year in the UK. Because symptoms can be mild or hard to notice, many cases are thought to go undiagnosed.
You may be more at risk of pelvic inflammatory disease if you:
- Are under 25 and sexually active
- Have had new or multiple sexual partners
- Have had a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea
- Have had pelvic inflammatory disease before
- Have had a medical procedure involving your cervix, such as IUD insertion, miscarriage treatment or abortion
Your specialist can advise on ways to reduce these risks.
Yes, pelvic inflammatory disease can develop with very mild or no symptoms at all. This makes it difficult to detect without testing, which is why regular STI checks and seeking medical advice if you have any concerns are important.
Pelvic inflammatory disease isn't a sexually transmitted infection, but it’s most often caused by untreated infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. In rarer cases, natural vaginal bacteria can spread to your reproductive organs after childbirth, miscarriage or certain medical procedures. Our specialists can provide reliable tests and scans in a single appointment to identify the cause and begin treatment.
No, pelvic inflammatory disease only affects women because it involves the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. However, men can carry and pass on the sexually transmitted infections that cause pelvic inflammatory disease, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. That's why it's important for both partners to be tested and treated if necessary.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is usually diagnosed after a discussion about your symptoms, medical and sexual history and a physical examination. Because symptoms can be subtle, your specialist may recommend further tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Pelvic inflammatory disease shares symptoms with conditions such as appendicitis, ovarian cysts and endometriosis. Your specialist will use your medical history, physical examination and tests such as swabs, blood work or imaging to confirm pelvic inflammatory disease and rule out other causes of pelvic pain.
Most women start to feel better within a few days of beginning antibiotics, though the full course may last up to two weeks. Follow-up appointments are essential to check that your infection has cleared completely.
Yes, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics if it’s diagnosed early. Treatment clears the infection and helps prevent further damage. However, any scarring or harm that has already occurred to the reproductive organs can’t be reversed. That’s why it’s important to seek medical help promptly if you notice symptoms.
Yes, pelvic inflammatory disease can return if you're reinfected with a sexually transmitted infection or exposed to the same bacteria again. Each recurrence increases the risk of long-term complications, so follow-up care and safe sex practices are essential.
If pelvic inflammatory disease is not treated, it may cause permanent damage to your reproductive system. Scarring in your fallopian tubes can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain or abscesses.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can make it harder to get pregnant if it's not treated quickly and effectively, but it won't always make you infertile. Scarring in your fallopian tubes can block eggs from passing into the womb.
If fertility is affected, you may still have options such as surgery or assisted conception through IVF. Our fertility experts will explain your situation clearly so you can make informed choices.
If fertility is affected, you may still have options such as surgery or assisted conception through IVF. Our fertility experts will explain your situation clearly so you can make informed choices.
Yes, pelvic inflammatory disease increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilised egg implants outside the womb. This type of pregnancy can't continue and can be life-threatening if untreated. Prompt treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease reduces this risk and helps protect your future fertility and pregnancies.
Sometimes pelvic inflammatory disease develops within a few days, but more often it builds up gradually over weeks or months. Even if your symptoms are mild or absent, the infection can still cause long-term harm if untreated. With HCA UK, you can see a specialist within 24 hours for reassurance and treatment.
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“Many women are unaware of pelvic inflammatory disease until complications arise. Timely diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term issues that can be tough for anyone to cope with, such as infertility or chronic pain. We offer rapid access to expert care, preserving your health and happiness and minimising disruption to your life.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.