Quick Answer
Most PID is caused by untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea, but it can also result from bacterial vaginosis or other infections ascending into the upper reproductive tract.
- ~1 million U.S. cases per year.
- Caused by: ascending chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Complication: infertility, ectopic pregnancy.
- Treatment: broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Context Most Pages Skip
PID is a complication of untreated STIs.
⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.