Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) require prompt medical treatment. If you have any unusual pelvic symptoms or pain, see your health professional without delay, even if your symptoms don't seem serious.

After you have started medical treatment for PID, your health professional will give you specific instructions for home care. Be sure to follow those instructions and keep all follow-up appointments.

Use the following home treatment measures to support your recovery.

• Rest as much as possible until your symptoms start to get better (usually a couple of days), then return to your usual activities slowly.
• Take regular doses of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, for pain. If pain does not improve within 48 to 72 hours after you start treatment, tell your health professional.
• Do not have sex until you've taken all antibiotic medication, your pain is gone entirely, and you feel completely well. Also, do not have sex until your partner or partners have finished treatment for any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• Make and keep follow-up appointments. Your health professional will want to see you 2 to 3 days after you've started antibiotics to make sure they are working. You may also be seen for follow-up 7 to 10 days later to make sure you are getting better and to talk about how to avoid another infection. You may have an additional follow-up exam at 4 to 6 weeks to see whether you've fully recovered.
• Call your health professional if your symptoms get worse or come back.

Last updated:	November 28, 2006
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC