Pelvic peritonitis is inflammation and infection of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdomen in the pelvic area. Pelvic peritonitis occurs most often as a complication of an infection of the fallopian tubes.

Signs of peritonitis include:

• Swelling of the abdomen.
• Severe pain and tenderness in the abdomen that becomes worse when the person moves, coughs, or presses on the abdomen. The pain sometimes goes up into the shoulder.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• A rapid pulse.
• Chills and fever.
• Rapid breathing.

A person with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Without treatment, the illness rapidly worsens and can become life-threatening.