Pelvic inflammatory disease: a common cause of morbidity

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to infection and inflammation of the upper genital tract. It may involve the endometrium, fallopian tubes and/or ovaries, as well as the surrounding peritoneum.

Most cases of PID result from a vaginal or cervical sexually transmitted infection (STI); this may be asymptomatic. Subsequently there is direct ascent of micro-organisms from the vagina or cervix to the upper genital tract.^1,2

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome can result in PID, where infection spreads along the upper peritoneum to the liver capsule, causing perihepatic 'violin string' adhesions.

PID is a common cause of morbidity and accounts for one in 60 GP consultations by women under 45 years of age.¹