What are pelvic inflammatory disease, balanitis and vulvitis?
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the uterus (womb). Bacteria that cause the infection usually travel into the uterus from the vagina or cervix (neck of the uterus). An STI is a common cause of PID. Most cases are caused by chlamydia or gonorrhoea. However, some cases are not due to an STI.
Symptoms of PID include pain in the lower abdomen, fever, abnormal vaginal bleeding and a vaginal discharge. Possible complications include: infertility, persistent pain, and an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy if you become pregnant.
Balanitis
Balanitis means inflammation of tip of the penis. Balanitis is sometimes caused by an STI. However, it is most commonly caused by non-sexually transmitted infections, and skin conditions. Balanitis is common in young children due to non-sexually transmitted infections.
Vulvitis
This means inflammation of the vulva. (The vulva is the 'lips' and skin just outside the vagina.) There are various causes of vulvitis including some STIs.
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Where to next?
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Advice about sexual partners
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Advice from a sexual health adviser
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Anogenital warts (genital warts)
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Chlamydia in women
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Conditions that are not STIs
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Genital herpes
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HIV and AIDS
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Other conditions that are sometimes thought of as STIs
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Other conditions that are sometimes thought of as STIs (cont'd)
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Pubic lice
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Some other points about trichomonas infection
