What are the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may be mild and easily dismissed as an intestinal bug. Or, the symptoms may be severe enough to require hospitalization. The most common signs and symptoms include: abdominal/pelvic discomfort, painful urination, pain during intercourse, abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, fever and chills, and odorous discharge. If you have symptoms of PID, see your doctor.

Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) range from none at all to severe. They often don't appear until infection has spread.

Symptoms tend to be more noticeable during menstrual bleeding and sometimes in the week following.

You may have one or more of these symptoms:

• Pain in the lower belly, usually described as crampy or as constant and dull. This is the main symptom. It may get worse during bowel movements, sexual intercourse or urination.
• A sense of pressure in the pelvis.
• Low back pain. Sometimes this pain spreads down one or both legs.
• More discharge from the vagina than usual, or discharge that is yellow, brown or green.
• Fever.
• Pain during sex.
• Irregular menstrual bleeding.
• Urinary symptoms, such as burning or pain when you urinate.