Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the upper genital tract. It may involve the endometrium, fallopian tubes, pelvic peritoneum, or nearby contiguous structures. Infection commonly ascends from the lower genital tract; Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are important causes, although PID may be polymicrobial. Inflammation in the uterus and adnexa produces pelvic pain and tenderness. Healing can leave tubal fibrosis and adhesions, which can contribute to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. A tubo-ovarian abscess is an infected collection involving a fallopian tube and ovary and requires hospital assessment. The immediate goal is prompt treatment of the ascending infection; the longer-term goal is to reduce irreversible tubal injury and reinfection.