Red flags & when to go in person for 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 not treated. Telemedicine can help you understand symptoms and decide if you need to see a healthcare provider in person. Common signs of PID include lower belly pain, unusual vaginal discharge, fever, and pain during sex or urination. However, some symptoms may need urgent attention. This guide explains when to seek in-person care, what telemedicine can assist with, and how to prepare for a virtual visit. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and triage but is not a replacement for in-person medical evaluation when symptoms are severe or worsening.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain that worsens rapidly — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills — go to urgent care or emergency room.
• Fainting, dizziness, or weakness accompanied by pelvic symptoms — get urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about PID and its symptoms.
• Assessing symptom severity through patient history.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person medical care.
• Answering general questions about prevention and treatment options.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical pelvic examinations or diagnostic tests.
• Administering antibiotics or other treatments directly.
• Diagnosing complications such as abscesses or infertility.
• Managing severe symptoms requiring emergency intervention.

What is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

PID is an infection that affects the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It often results from untreated sexually transmitted infections. PID can cause pain, fever, and other symptoms, and if left untreated, it may lead to serious complications like infertility or chronic pelvic pain.

Common Symptoms of PID

Symptoms often include:

Not everyone has all symptoms, and some may be mild.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs require prompt medical attention in person:

If you have these symptoms, go to an emergency room or urgent care.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can:

However, it cannot perform physical exams or diagnostic tests.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow these steps:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they began.
• Note any fever or changes in your health.
• Prepare to describe your medical and sexual history.
• Have a list of current medications ready.
• Find a private, quiet place for your telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Practice safe sex and inform sexual partners if diagnosed with PID or an STI.

FAQs

Can PID be treated through telemedicine?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and provide guidance, but PID usually requires antibiotics that need to be prescribed after an in-person evaluation or lab testing. Telemedicine alone cannot replace physical exams or testing needed for treatment.

What causes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease?

PID is often caused by bacteria from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea. It can also result from other infections spreading from the vagina to the reproductive organs.

How can I prevent PID?

Prevent PID by practicing safe sex using condoms, getting regular STI screenings, limiting the number of sexual partners, and seeking prompt treatment for any infections.

When should I go to the emergency room for PID symptoms?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe pelvic pain, a high fever with chills, fainting or dizziness, heavy vaginal bleeding, or vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention in person.