Pelvic inflammatory disease: clinical overview

Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) adversely affects the health of 1 million American women annually. The best understood etiologic organisms are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea; however, information regarding the contributions of facultative and causative anaerobes continues to emerge. Chronic PID presents a diagnostic and management challenge to health care providers. Because of morbidity and sequelae the importance of early detection of, and intervention for, upper tract pelvic infections cannot be overemphasized. Nursing interventions in PID prevention, early assessment, accurate diagnosis, and thorough treatment can have a positive impact on women's health.