Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Management of new-onset low abdominal pain in young women

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Management of new-onset low abdominal pain in young women

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an upper genital tract inflammatory syndrome with highly variable symptoms.
The diagnosis of PID should be considered in all young women who present with new-onset low abdominal
pain. A urine pregnancy test is essential in all women of childbearing age with new-onset low abdominal pain to
exclude ectopic pregnancy. Prompt treatment of women with suspected PID with ceftriaxone, azithromycin, doxycycline
and metronidazole to cover the potential polymicrobial causes is essential to prevent long-term complications.
Transfer to the nearest emergency department is warranted for women with severe symptoms or haemodynamic
instability. Sexual contacts should be tested and treated to prevent recurrence of PID.

Modern Medicine – September 2017