Problems and proposals for the surveillance and control of sexually transmitted diseases associated with pelvic inflammatory disease in South America.

In South America, the number of women at risk for gonococcal pelvic inflammatory disease has increased greatly along with the incidence rates for gonorrhea. Further information is needed on the epidemiologic aspects of gonorrhea and PID in order to develop programs for optimal control of sexually transmitted disease (STD). We think that the control of STD, including PID, requires improvement of four basic factors: professional training in STD, management of STD by all levels of health care services, laboratory diagnostic services, and public education in STD.