Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an inflammation in the pelvis. It is usually caused by an infection spreading from the vagina and cervix (entrance of the uterus) to the uterus (womb), fallopian tubes, ovaries and pelvic area. If severe, the infection may result in an abscess (collection of pus) forming inside the pelvis. This is most commonly a tubo-ovarian abscess (an abscess affecting the tubes and ovaries).

PID is common and accounts for one in 60 GP visits by women under the age of 45 years.

The leaflet can be downloaded as a pdf by clicking on the link below.

• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) : tests and treatment – Information for you