Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While yeast infections are common vaginal infections, they are typically not considered a direct cause of PID.
“Yeast infections can cause some of the same symptoms but typically do not cause pelvic inflammatory disease,” explains Dr. Michelle Forcier, a gender-affirming clinician with virtual healthcare service FOLX.
According to Dr. Michael Ingber, a urologist and female pelvic medicine specialist at The Center for Specialized Women’s Health, PID is most often linked to bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and mycoplasma genitalium. However, in rare cases, a concurrent yeast infection and bacterial STI may increase the likelihood of developing PID.
STIs That Can Cause PID
Bacterial STIs that can raise the risk of PID include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Mycoplasma genitalium
Other types of infections, including viral and parasitic STIs like herpes simplex virus, HPV, and HIV, are not usually associated with PID.
Additional Risk Factors for PID
Aside from STIs, other factors that can raise the risk of PID include:
- Bacterial entry during medical procedures: cervical cancer screening, IUD insertion, or abortion.
- Damage to the cervix: as a result of vaginal delivery or miscarriage.
- Other vaginal infections: yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, which can be found in the cervix of those with PID.
Conclusion
While yeast infections alone are not a cause of PID, they may play a role in increasing the risk when combined with other bacterial infections. Preventing PID involves regular STI testing, prompt treatment, and maintaining vaginal health.