Pelvic inflammatory disease: risk factors and microbial etiologies.

OBJECTIVE

To review the risk factors and microbial etiologies of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

DATA SOURCES: Include 77 current and historical references on PID, PID risk factors, and sexually transmitted diseases.

STUDY SELECTION: 34 studies that address specific research questions.

DATA EXTRACTION: Data were used from studies whose methodologies are discussed.

DATA SYNTHESIS: This review identifies research problems regarding the definition, diagnosis, and identification of microbial profiles and risk factors of PID.

CONCLUSIONS

More reliable diagnostic criteria for the varied clinical presentations of this polymicrobial infection are needed. PID is a disease with multiple, interrelated risks. Education is an important nursing intervention.