Most cases of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, methods that prevent STDs also reduce the risk of PID. These include:

• Limiting the number of sexual partners.
  
  
• Knowing the sexual history of partners.
  
  
• Always using latex condoms during sex to minimize the risk of STD transmission. Condoms cannot completely prevent the transmission of disease, but they can greatly reduce the likelihood.
  
  
• Request an STD test from potential sexual partners before having sex.

Some studies indicate that the use of certain birth control pills can help reduce the risk of PID because they thicken the cervical mucus and therefore prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. Other studies indicate that birth control pills may increase the likelihood of PID, especially PID caused by chlamydia.

Other prevention methods include:

• Proper hygiene after urination and bowel movements (wiping from front to back).
  
  
• Prompt treatment for any symptoms.
  
  
• Eliminating or reducing the frequency of douches. Douching can push naturally occurring bacteria from the vagina (where it protects the body) into the upper reproductive organs. There, the bacteria may change, becoming harmful, or make the organs more susceptible to infection.

Women who have had one incidence of PID are more susceptible to another infection. Each incidence of PID increases a woman’s likelihood of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. About half of ectopic pregnancies occur because a fallopian tube has been damaged by PID.

One of the most common causes of PID is also the most common STD in the United States – chlamydia. Because it may occur without any symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual chlamydia testing for all sexually active women age 25 and younger and for older women at risk for chlamydia (women with multiple sex partners or a new sex partner). Chlamydia tests for women include a vaginal and cervical swab or a urine test. Chlamydia testing for men is also important because men have even fewer symptoms for chlamydia yet can still transmit the disease.

Women are encouraged to discuss their risk factors for PID and sexually transmitted diseases with their physicians, preferably a gynecologist, and have regular gynecological examinations.