Pelvic Inflamatory Disease PID Flashcards
What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
PID is an infection and inflammation of the upper female genital tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
What are the most common causes of PID?
PID is commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Can PID be caused by non-sexually transmitted organisms?
Yes, it can also be caused by organisms like Mycoplasma genitalium, anaerobes, or post-surgical infections.
What are the typical symptoms of PID?
Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), fever, and irregular menstrual bleeding.
Can PID be asymptomatic?
Yes, PID may be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms in some cases.
What are the risk factors for PID?
Risk factors include multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, a history of STIs, and recent gynaecological procedures.
How does PID affect fertility?
PID can lead to infertility due to scarring and damage to the fallopian tubes.
What is the pathophysiology of PID?
PID occurs when pathogens ascend from the lower genital tract to the upper genital tract, causing inflammation and tissue damage.
What are the clinical examination findings in PID?
Findings include lower abdominal tenderness, cervical motion tenderness, and adnexal tenderness.
What are the diagnostic criteria for PID?
Diagnosis is clinical, supported by symptoms, examination findings, and sometimes additional investigations.
What investigations are commonly performed in suspected PID?
Investigations include swabs for STIs, pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests (e.g., CRP, white cell count).
What is the role of pelvic ultrasound in PID?
Ultrasound may identify complications such as tubo-ovarian abscesses or rule out other causes of abdominal pain.
What are the differential diagnoses for PID?
Differentials include ectopic pregnancy, appendicitis, ovarian torsion, endometriosis, and urinary tract infection.
How is PID treated?
Treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics, covering likely pathogens, such as ceftriaxone, doxycycline, and metronidazole.
What is the typical antibiotic regimen for PID?
Regimens often include intramuscular ceftriaxone followed by oral doxycycline and metronidazole for 14 days.
Why is partner notification important in PID management?
Partner notification helps identify and treat sexual contacts to prevent reinfection and further transmission.
What are the complications of untreated PID?
Complications include chronic pelvic pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and tubo-ovarian abscesses.
What is a tubo-ovarian abscess?
A tubo-ovarian abscess is a collection of pus involving the fallopian tube and ovary, often a complication of severe PID.
How is a tubo-ovarian abscess managed?
Management includes antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical drainage.
What is chronic pelvic inflammatory disease?
Chronic PID refers to long-term sequelae of untreated or recurrent PID, often causing chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
How can PID be prevented?
Prevention includes practising safe sex, using condoms, regular STI screening, and prompt treatment of infections.
Can intrauterine devices (IUDs) increase the risk of PID?
IUD insertion may slightly increase the risk of PID in the first few weeks post-insertion, but the overall risk is low.
What is the role of laparoscopy in PID?
Laparoscopy can provide a definitive diagnosis in uncertain cases and assess the extent of damage in chronic cases.
What advice should be given to patients with PID?
Patients should abstain from sexual activity until treatment is complete, ensure partner treatment, and attend follow-up appointments.
What are the long-term implications of PID?
Long-term implications include an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain.
