pelvic inflammatory disease
An infection of the female reproductive organs, typically ascending from the cervix to involve the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Full Definition
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an inflammatory condition of the upper female genital tract, usually resulting from ascending infection from the cervix and vagina. The infection can involve the endometrium (endometritis), fallopian tubes (salpingitis), ovaries (oophoritis), and surrounding pelvic structures. Common causative organisms include Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and various anaerobic bacteria. PID can lead to serious complications including tubo-ovarian abscess, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility due to tubal scarring. Diagnosis is often clinical, based on pelvic pain, cervical motion tenderness, and adnexal tenderness, though laparoscopy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. Treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting multiple potential pathogens.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as PID; emphasize the polymicrobial nature when documenting treatment decisions.
In Context
- "The patient presented with classic symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease including fever, pelvic pain, and purulent discharge." — Emergency department note
- "Complications of untreated pelvic inflammatory disease include tubal factor infertility and chronic pain." — Patient education material