Chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example, are caused by bacteria that enter the vagina during sexual intercourse. These bacteria multiply in the warm, moist climate of the vagina, causing inflammation, pain and vaginal discharge. Left untreated, bacterial vaginal infections can spread to other internal organs. For example, bacteria may enter the uterus through the cervix. If this occurs, bacteria can infect the fallopian tubes, where the bacteria can continue to multiply and create scar tissue. From the fallopian tubes the infection can also spread to the ovaries, as well as to other abdominal structures, such as the bladder, intestines and the walls of the pelvis. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID is the term used for the generalized infection of the uterine lining, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
