Yes, it is possible to go years without knowing you have PID. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs in women, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is usually caused by bacteria such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Symptoms of PID can be mild or nonexistent, so many people do not realize they have it.
If left untreated, PID can cause long-term health issues such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and abdominal pain. It can also increase the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor.
PID is usually diagnosed through a physical exam, laboratory testing, and imaging. Symptoms of PID can include pain in the lower abdomen, fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, and irregular bleeding. If these symptoms are present, it is important to see a doctor right away so that treatment can begin.
It is possible to go years without knowing one has PID because many people do not have symptoms and it is often not detected until it has caused damage to the reproductive organs. It is important for women to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections and to practice safe sex to reduce their risk of complications from PID. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious long-term health problems.