Management of pelvic inflammatory disease in adolescents

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is highly prevalent among sexually active adolescent females. The major organisms are N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis. Diagnosis is based on historical information and clinical findings. Early diagnosis and treatment effectively reduce the incidence of complications associated with PID. Highly effective treatment regimens are available and main antimicrobials used include quinolones, cephalosporins, metronidazole, doxycycline, and azithromycin. Delay or inadequate treatment is associated with long term sequelae including tubal infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Prevention efforts should be directed towards routine screening and treatment for sexually transmissible infections, public education and provision of resources for treatment and follow-up.