PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)
Causative organisms |
Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium Polymicrobial. Vaginal bacteria also implicated Up to 70% of cases do not have identified causative organism Note: PID in women under the age of 35 years is often due to sexually transmissible pathogens, while PID in older women is less likely to be associated with a sexually transmitted pathogen. |
Incubation period | Poorly defined; depends on pathogen |
How far back to trace | See relevant sections if chlamydia, gonorrhoea or Mycoplasma genitalium are isolated |
Usual testing method | Clinical diagnosis with bimanual pelvic examination Test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and M. genitalium- swabs can be clinician or self-collected if examination declined |
Common symptoms |
Commonly mild or subclinical |
Likelihood of transmissio per act of unprotected intercourse | Depends on specific pathogen |
Likelihood of long-term sexual partner being infected | Depends on specific pathogen |
Protective effect of condoms | High for sexually transmitted pathogens |
Transmission by oral sex | Unknown |
Duration of potential infectivity | Depends on specific pathogen |
Important sequelae | Infertility due to scarring /blockage of fallopian tubes Chronic pelvic pain Ectopic pregnancy Fitz-Hugh Curtis Syndrome |
Direct benefit of detection and treatment of contacts | Cure where a pathogen is isolated |
Usual management of contacts |
Counselling, clinical examination, test for C.trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium Consider presumptively treating current sexual contacts for gonorrhoea if suspected |
Contact tracing priority |
High — Where C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae or M. genitalium are isolated |
Notification | Not notifiable |