Salpingitis and pelvic inflammatory disease

Chlamydia trachomatis is becoming an increasingly important etiologic agent. The physician must also be aware of other nongonococcal causes of pelvic inflammatory disease, such as Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, coliforms and anaerobes. Epidemiologic characteristics of the various microorganisms differ, with the frequency of nongonococcal disease higher in older women. Intrauterine devices increase the potential for pelvic inflammatory disease. The rising incidence of nongonococcal and dual infections has led to therapeutic and preventive techniques aimed at multiple etiologies.