gynecology and obstetrics
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Key Points
The sexually transmitted pathogensNeisseria gonorrhoeaeandChlamydia trachomatisare common causes of PID, but infection is often polymicrobial. PID can cause tubal scarring and adhesions, which commonly result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Because even minimally symptomatic infection may have severe sequelae, index of suspicion should be high. PCR and cultures are accurate tests; however, if results are not available at the point of care, empiric treatment is usually recommended. Hospitalize women with PID based on clinical criteria (see above). 