The causative agents of PID include sexually acquired Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae . Infections may be mixed. Gardnerella vaginalis , anaerobes and commensals present in the vagina have been implicated. PID may occur following parturition, abortion or gynaecological procedure and those with a history of IUCD insertion or removal. Women with PID may present with a wide range of clinical manifestations.
Many women are asymptomatic or present with minimal or atypical symptoms and signs.
The diagnosis may therefore be difficult to establish. Following PID females have a 7 to 10 fold increased risk for ectopic pregnancy. Such women have an increased risk of hospitalisation and early hysterectomy. Women with PID should be offered screening for other STIs. TOP OF PAGE Diagnosis Diagnosis may be difficult to establish.