Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It usually happens when a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like chlamydia or gonorrhea, goes untreated. However, yeast infections are not a cause of PID.
“Yeast infections can have similar symptoms, but they don’t lead to PID,” says Michelle Forcier, MD, a gender-affirming clinician with FOLX, a virtual healthcare service.
Most cases of PID occur when a bacterial STI isn’t detected or treated, explains Michael Ingber, MD, a urologist and female pelvic medicine specialist at The Center for Specialized Women’s Health in New Jersey. That said, if someone has both a yeast infection and a bacterial STI, they might be at a higher risk of developing PID compared to someone with just a bacterial STI.
Which STIs Can Lead to PID?
STIs are grouped into three categories: bacterial, viral, and parasitic. The bacterial STIs most commonly linked to PID are:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Mycoplasma genitalium
Syphilis, another bacterial STI, usually doesn’t cause PID. Viral or parasitic STIs, like herpes, HPV, or HIV, are also not typical causes of PID, according to Dr. Ingber.
However, people with PID are more likely to contract other STIs, such as syphilis or HIV, if exposed. Because of this, many healthcare providers recommend getting a full STI panel after a PID diagnosis.
Why Regular Testing and Treatment Matter
“Not everyone with an STI develops PID, but PID is a serious complication that can be avoided with regular testing and proper treatment,” says Dr. Forcier. Early detection and treatment of STIs are key to preventing PID and protecting your reproductive health.
