PID

In the majority of cases pelvic inflammatory disease is caused by an infection in the vagina or cervix which spreads. PID can refer to bacteria, fungal or parasitic infections - in most cases the infection is bacterial.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common causes of pelvic inflammatory disease; but it can also be a consequence of childbirth, abortion or miscarriage, using an IUD (intrauterine device, a form of birth control). Other routes, such as lymphatic or hematogenous (derived from the blood) are also possible. A bacterium called Chlamydia is a common cause, followed by gonorrhea.

Look up Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.