Pelvic inflammatory disease.

The pathophysiology of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) involves an ascending infection of cervicovaginal microorganisms, of which the most important pathogens are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. The clinician should recognize that not all women with PID will present with abdominal pain and that associated atypical symptoms such as meteorrhagia and dyspareunia should suggest diagnosis. The documentation of lower genital tract inflammation is helpful in making the diagnosis of PID. Treatment with broad spectrum antibiotic regimens is currently recommended. Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and ascending infection remains of utmost importance to decrease the sequelae, such as tubal factor infertility and ectopic pregnancy associated with PID.