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Pelvic inflammatory disease: diagnosis and management
1Division of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1683.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) affects over a million women annually. Early diagnosis and broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications like infertility.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a significant gynecologic health issue in the U.S.
- Affects over 1 million women annually, with substantial economic costs.
- Family physicians are vital in PID prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease.
- To highlight the importance of early detection and management by healthcare providers.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive MEDLINE search (1985-present) using keywords related to PID and its complications.
- Inclusion of bibliographies from relevant articles and author's personal files.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous risk factors for PID, including age, sexual history, bacterial vaginosis, douching, IUD use, and history of STDs.
- Diagnosis presents a clinical challenge, requiring thorough history, physical exam, and judicious use of diagnostic tests.
- Recommended broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover polymicrobial pathogens like N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, and anaerobic/aerobic bacteria.
Conclusions:
- PID has serious sequelae, including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
- Effective prevention strategies for pelvic inflammatory disease are essential.
- Prompt and appropriate management is critical to mitigate long-term health consequences.