How is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosed?

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Doctors may suspect pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) based on a woman's symptoms, and then may perform tests to confirm diagnosis. First, doctors will usually perform a pelvic exam, which may involve using swabs to take samples of fluid from your vagina and cervix. These samples can be analyzed to check for bacteria or other factors that may indicate PID. Other tests, including blood tests and pregnancy tests, may also be done. In some cases, doctors may perform an ultrasound to look for abnormalities in the pelvic area. Sometimes, biopsy of the uterus or laparoscopy (inserting a thin tube in your abdomen to look at your reproductive organs) may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
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Doctors may suspect pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) based on a woman's symptoms, and then may perform tests to confirm diagnosis. First, doctors will usually perform a pelvic exam, which may involve using swabs to take samples of fluid from... More
Healthwise answered:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is diagnosed by the combination of your medical history, your symptoms, a physical exam and lab test results.
Medical history
Your doctor may ask you a number of questions, such as what your symptoms are, what method of birth control you use and whether you or your partner engage in high-risk sexual behaviors.
Physical exam
Your exam for PID will include a pelvic exam.

You will also be tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosis.
Lab tests
- A pregnancy test is done to rule out the possibility of a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy.
- Blood tests are used to look for signs of inflammation or infection. Tests include:
  - Complete blood count.
  - Sedimentation rate.
  - C-reactive protein.
- A blood or urine culture is used to look for infection.
Imaging tests
- Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound. It can show internal organs on a computer screen.
- Laparoscopy. The doctor inserts a lighted viewing instrument into the belly to look for signs of infection and scar tissue.
- MRI or CT scan. These tests are used in rare cases if symptoms aren't improving with treatment or an ultrasound has shown a possible growth or abscess that needs to be further evaluated.
Early detection
Yearly chlamydia testing for young, sexually active women is thought to reduce the number of cases of PID. This screening is recommended by experts.

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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is diagnosed by the combination of your medical history, your symptoms, a physical exam and lab test results. Medical history Your doctor may ask you a number of questions, such as what your symptoms are, what... More