How to prepare for a video visit about Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Triage

Audience: adult

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs that can cause pain and serious health problems if untreated. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you discuss symptoms, get advice, and decide if you need further care. To prepare, gather information about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you take. During the visit, you may be asked about your pain, fever, vaginal discharge, or other signs. Telemedicine can help guide you on next steps, but it cannot replace a physical exam or lab tests needed for diagnosis. If you experience severe pain, high fever, or heavy bleeding, seek urgent in-person care. This guide helps you get ready for your video visit and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for PID concerns.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain that worsens quickly — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills — get urgent medical attention.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or foul-smelling discharge — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to PID.
• Providing education about PID and possible causes.
• Advising on when to seek in-person care or testing.
• Recommending initial symptom management strategies.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical or pelvic examinations.
• Ordering or conducting laboratory tests or imaging.
• Providing immediate emergency treatment.
• Diagnosing PID definitively or prescribing antibiotics without in-person assessment if needed.

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

PID is an infection that affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and other parts of the female reproductive system. It often results from untreated sexually transmitted infections. Symptoms may include lower belly pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain during sex or urination. Early treatment is important to prevent complications like infertility.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms and concerns. The provider can assess your situation, suggest initial care steps, and decide if you need to visit a clinic or hospital for tests or treatment. Telemedicine is convenient and can reduce delays in care.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do for PID

Telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, pelvic exams, or lab tests needed to confirm PID. It also cannot provide immediate emergency treatment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, you will need in-person care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your visit, write down your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you have tried. Have a list of your current medications and allergies ready. Find a quiet, private place with good internet connection for the appointment. Be prepared to answer questions about your sexual history and overall health.

After Your Video Visit

Follow the provider's advice carefully. This may include getting lab tests, visiting a clinic, or starting prescribed treatment. Watch for worsening symptoms or new signs and seek urgent care if needed. Keep track of your symptoms and follow up as recommended.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms with start dates and severity.
• Gather information on current medications and allergies.
• Prepare to discuss your sexual and medical history openly.
• Find a private, quiet space with reliable internet for the video call.
• Have a device with camera and microphone ready and charged.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider.
• Complete any recommended lab tests or in-person visits.
• Start prescribed treatments if applicable and follow dosage directions.
• Monitor your symptoms carefully for improvement or worsening.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised.

FAQs

Can PID be diagnosed through a video visit?

PID diagnosis usually requires a physical pelvic exam and lab tests. A video visit can help your provider understand symptoms and decide if you need in-person evaluation, but it cannot confirm diagnosis alone.

What should I do if I have severe pain during or after the video visit?

If you experience severe pelvic pain, high fever, heavy bleeding, or other urgent symptoms, seek emergency in-person medical care immediately.

Is PID contagious?

PID itself is not contagious, but it often results from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can be passed between partners. Using protection and getting tested regularly can help prevent STIs and PID.

Can I take antibiotics without seeing a doctor in person?

Antibiotics should only be taken under medical guidance. While telemedicine providers may sometimes prescribe antibiotics, they typically require an in-person exam or tests to ensure safe and appropriate treatment for PID.

How long does it take to recover from PID?

Recovery time varies but often takes several weeks with proper treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Sources

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Patient Information — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.