If PID continues to develop unchecked, you can face some really serious medical consequences. The scarring can result in permanent infertility. It can also cause an egg to stay in the fallopian tube (not heading over to the uterus as usual), creating a potentially dangerous ectopic pregnancy. You might also suffer from lifelong severe pelvic pain. [9] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source

They may order a blood test to see if your cells appear to be fighting off an infection. They may also send off cervical fluid and urine samples to be tested for STDs. [11] X Research source There is no one clear way to diagnose PID. That means that, unfortunately, it is often misdiagnosed as another problem with similar symptoms, such as appendicitis. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Your doctor may also recommend hospitalization as part of your treatment if you: are very ill, won’t respond to antibiotics, have an abscess, or are pregnant.

Even though it is only minimally invasive, a laparoscopic procedure is still surgery. So, you’ll want to be very clear on the possible risks and benefits before agreeing to go forward.

If you get pills, make sure to read the directions carefully and finish the entire run of the drugs, even if you start to feel better before they are finished. Most doctors will want you to make a follow-up appointment about three days in so they can check your progress.