Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an
infection of the uterus, the ovaries, and the tubes that carry eggs from the
ovaries to the uterus (fallopian tubes). Up to 40% of women with untreated
chlamydia will develop PID.1
PID may cause scarring of the fallopian tubes.
Scarring can block the tubes and prevent fertilization. About 7% of women with
PID will become unable to get pregnant (infertile).2
Your risk of infertility increases each time you get PID.
Scarring of the fallopian tubes can prevent the fertilized egg from going
to the uterus. When this happens, the egg may implant outside of the uterus.
This is called an
ectopic pregnancy. Women who have untreated chlamydia
have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy than other women. Ectopic pregnancy can
be life-threatening.
To reduce the risk of infertility after
having PID, use a condom every time you have sex. Having fewer sex partners
also helps prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Having multiple sex
partners is one of the risk factors for chlamydia infection.
Citations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). Chlamydia-CDC fact sheet. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm.
Paavonen J, Schwartz D (2003). Pelvic inflammatory
disease. In SA Morse et al., eds., Atlas of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, 3rd ed., pp. 141-157. Edinburgh:
Mosby.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2007). Chlamydia-CDC fact sheet. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm.
Paavonen J, Schwartz D (2003). Pelvic inflammatory
disease. In SA Morse et al., eds., Atlas of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS, 3rd ed., pp. 141-157. Edinburgh:
Mosby.
