Which symptom is most commonly seen in PID?

• A. Generalized upper abdominal pain
• B. Fever and malaise
• C. Lower urinary tract symptoms
• D. Back pain

Answer: (A)

Pelvic inflammatory disease typically presents with pain located in the lower abdomen or pelvis, reflecting involvement of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. On exam, this often shows tenderness in the lower quadrant and may include cervical motion tenderness. Fever and malaise can accompany the infection, and vaginal discharge is common, but the pain pattern is the most informative finding. Upper abdominal pain is not a characteristic feature of PID, and back pain or lower urinary tract symptoms are less typical.

So, while fever and malaise can occur with PID, the hallmark symptom to expect is pelvic or lower abdominal pain with tenderness.