An acute ascending polymicrobial infection of the female gynaecological tract that is frequently associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis (can also be caused by normal pelvic flora e.g. H. influenza)

PID comprises a spectrum of inflammatory disorders of the upper female genital tract, including any combination of:

• endometritis
• salpingitis
• Oophoritis
• pelvic peritonitis.

Risk factors:

• Prior infection with chlamydia or gonorrhoea or PID
• Young age at onset of sexual acitivity
• High risk sexual activity
• IUD use

PC

*Presence of risk factors

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Abnormal bleeding (intermenstrual or postcoital)
• dyspareunia
• Fever
• Dysuria