can a uti cause pid?

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Urinary tract infections are limited to the urethra, bladder and the kidneys (due to ascending infections).

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is usually the result of infection ascending from vagina and cervix causing infections of the uterine endometrium (endometritis), Fallopian tube (salpingitis) and structures within the pelvic cavity (parametritis, oophoritis, tuboovarian abscess and / or pelvic peritonitis).

Urinary infection does not directly result in PID, but both UTIs and PID can co-exist in the same patient. This is due to the fact that the urethra and the genital tract (vagina) open into the vulva, and infections can infect both the systems simultaneously.

The diagnosis of the urinary infections require a urinalysis, urine culture and sensitivity and a ultrasound. But PID in addition may need a vaginal or cervical swab examination, endometrial biopsy, etc.

Early diagnosis and treatment with specific antibiotics do help in preventing long term compications in both UTI and PID.

You may consult with your doctor for additional information and treatment as necessary.