Current approaches to pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an inflammatory process of infectious nature that can affect structures and organs of the upper genital tract. Considering this disease’s epidemiological relevance and severe complications, this article provides an update and proposes a systematic approach to PID. The main etiological agents are Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and other etiological agents of urethritis, cervicitis, vulvovaginitis and vaginoses. These are generally of polymicrobial origin, which determines the treatment basis for pelvic inflammatory diseases. Women must be checked for PID when experiencing abdominal discomfort, backache, dyspareunia, or presenting with stains during gynecological examination and prior to transcervical procedures. The clinical and laparoscopic classification of PID can be divided into: a) stage I (endometritis/salpingitis without peritonitis), stage II (acute salpingitis with peritonitis), stage III (acute salpingitis with tubal occlusion or tube-ovarian abscess), and stage IV (tubeovarian abscess rupture). Defining the stage guides procedures and treatment, given that in mild forms (stage I) the treatment and follow-up can be performed in the ambulatory environment while moderate to severe cases require hospitalization so that intravenous treatment and treatment outcome monitoring can be started. Supportive treatment, removal of intrauterine device (IUD), sexual abstinence and rest are also indicated, as well as counseling on the implications of the disease and partner approach.