Women's Conditions
How is pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosed? Gynecologist in Seoul, Korea
The short answer
PID is diagnosed from your symptoms and a pelvic exam, supported by an STD swab (often called an STD test) to identify bacteria such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a pelvic ultrasound when there is pain. Blood tests may check for inflammation. Treatment often starts before results return.
There is no single test for PID. Your doctor looks for tenderness of the cervix, uterus or ovaries during the exam, and uses:
- STD PCR swab
- Pelvic ultrasound to look for fluid or abscess
- Blood tests in some cases
- A pregnancy test to rule out ectopic pregnancy
Answered by Dami Women's Clinic (다미산부인과의원), Yeouido, Seoul · Dr. Ko Sang-hyun, OB/GYN. General information, not a diagnosis. Emergencies in Korea: call 119. Medical disclaimer · International Patient Center