A pelvic infection can affect any part of the upper reproductive system, including your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Although the symptoms are usually mild, it is important to seek treatment to avoid any complications.
Untreated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) could affect your fertility. You should see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms that could be caused by an infection.
What Causes Pelvic Infections?
Pelvic infections are usually caused by bacteria.
The bacteria can enter your body through the vagina and spread up into the higher reproductive system.
Sometimes the bacteria are introduced to the body as a sexually transmitted infection, but this isn’t always the case.
In some cases, the normal, healthy bacteria that are harmless when they are in the vagina can cause problems when they reach other parts of your body.
When the bacteria spread through your body, they can cause inflammation by triggering the immune system. Pelvic infections are therefore also known as pelvic inflammatory disease. It is the inflammation that causes many of the symptoms you experience.
