Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and chlamydia
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, the ovaries, and the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus (fallopian tubes). Up to 40% of women with untreated chlamydia will develop PID.1
PID may cause scarring of the fallopian tubes. Scarring can block the tubes and prevent fertilization. About 7% of women with PID will become unable to get pregnant (infertile).2 Your risk of infertility increases each time you get PID.
Scarring of the fallopian tubes can prevent the fertilized egg from going to the uterus. When this happens, the egg may implant outside of the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. Women who have untreated chlamydia have a 6 to 7 times higher risk of ectopic pregnancy than other women.3 Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening.
To reduce the risk of infertility after having PID, use a condom every time you have sex. Having fewer sex partners also helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Having multiple sex partners is one of the risk factors for chlamydia infection.
Inserting an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control may increase the risk of PID if you get chlamydia in the month after the IUD is inserted. It can bring the infection into the uterus.
| Author: | Sabra L. Katz-Wise Ralph Poore | Last Updated: January 18, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease | |
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