Factors associated with pelvic inflammatory disease: A case series analysis of family planning clinic data

This study aimed to better understand factors associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and analysed the characteristics of PID cases diagnosed in an outpatient setting during 2018.

Of the pelvic inflammatory disease cases analysed, 55% were idiopathic, 22.2% were related to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and 22.2% had onset of symptoms within 6 weeks of a gynaecological procedure. Of the STI–positive PID cases, Chlamydia trachomatis was present in 56%, Mycoplasma genitalium was present in 38%, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was present in 12.5% of cases. Many pelvic inflammatory disease cases had evidence of vaginal dysbiosis or features associated with vaginal flora disruption.

The findings are relevant to clinicians diagnosing PID and STIs and also highlight areas recommended for further related research.

Citation: Sweeney S, Bateson D, Fleming K, Huston W. Factors associated with pelvic inflammatory disease: A case series analysis of family planning clinic data. Women’s Health. 2022;18. doi:10.1177/17455057221112263