Spital Clinic offers comprehensive care for women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection that can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is based on NHS recommendations. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider for advice on medical conditions or treatments.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs, typically affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID occurs when bacteria, usually sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, ascend from the vagina or cervix into the upper genital tract. In some cases, PID can also develop after medical procedures that introduce bacteria into the reproductive system, such as insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) or endometrial biopsy.
If left untreated, PID can cause significant damage to the reproductive organs, leading to long-term complications such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants outside the uterus). Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to minimise the risk of these serious complications and preserve reproductive health.
Diagnosing PID can be challenging, as the symptoms can vary and may resemble those of other conditions. A healthcare provider will typically begin by reviewing your medical history, including any history of STIs or recent gynaecological procedures. They will then perform a physical examination, which may include a pelvic exam to check for tenderness, pain, or abnormal discharge in the reproductive organs.
To confirm the diagnosis of PID, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests, such as:
Treatment for PID typically involves a combination of antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection and prevent further damage to the reproductive organs. The specific antibiotics prescribed will depend on the suspected cause of the infection and may be adjusted based on the results of STI testing. In most cases, a course of oral antibiotics will be sufficient to treat PID. However, in severe cases or if the patient is pregnant, hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.
In addition to antibiotics, pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may be recommended to help manage abdominal pain and discomfort. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure that the infection is fully cleared. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated for STIs to prevent reinfection. Follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your response to treatment and check for any signs of long-term complications.
Several factors can increase a woman's risk of developing PID, including:
PID can have a significant impact on a woman's physical and emotional well-being. The symptoms of PID, such as pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, and painful intercourse, can be distressing and interfere with daily activities and relationships. If left untreated, PID can lead to serious long-term complications, such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy, which can have profound effects on a woman's quality of life and future reproductive plans. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of PID are essential to minimise these risks and preserve reproductive health. Women who have had PID may also experience anxiety or depression related to the potential long-term consequences of the infection, underscoring the importance of emotional support and open communication with healthcare providers.
We provide a comprehensive range of services, from private GP consultations and specialised men's and women's health care to advanced ultrasound scans and proactive health screenings, all within a reassuring and state-of-the-art environment.
You have a question about PID? We have an answer.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent PID, there are several steps women can take to reduce their risk of developing the condition. These include: Practising safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly to reduce the risk of contracting STIs, Getting regular STI screenings, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or have recently changed partners, Seeking prompt treatment for any suspected STIs to prevent the infection from spreading to the upper genital tract, Avoiding douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection, Discussing the potential risks and benefits of intrauterine devices (IUDs) with your healthcare provider before insertion, as there is a small risk of PID associated with the procedure
The recovery time for PID can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual's response to treatment. Most women start to feel better within a few days of beginning antibiotic treatment, with symptoms often resolving completely within 7 to 14 days. However, it is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure that the infection is fully cleared and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. In some cases, particularly if the infection was severe or if there was a delay in diagnosis and treatment, recovery may take longer, and follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider may be necessary to monitor progress and check for any signs of complications.
According to verified reviews from platforms such as Doctify, TrustPilot and Google - 99% patients have a positive experience at Spital Clinic.
"Great experience. Frustratingly we had 3 NIPTs come back with no result so had to do 3 blood redraws but thanks to LPC’s persistence we finally got a result on the 4th draw. After the 3rd no result they also kindly offered us a free anomaly scan."
"I had a surprisingly positive experience. The most friendly and helpful staff, clean and beautiful premises. The visit was smooth and quick but never felt rushed and I was able to ask all the questions I had. Thanks so much!"
"The service was exceptional from the moment we booked to the moment we left the building post our appointment. The lovely colleagues at the main desk were great and approachable. They made the whole process very comforting."
"I really recommend this clinic, everything was smooth and perfect. All staff are helpful and our sonographer Miss Shaz is an expert on her job, she is very kind and explained everything that we asked. I am glad to choose LPC."
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.
