Pelvic inflammatory disease and its consequences in the developing world

Abstract

This is a review of the epidemiology of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) in developing countries around the world. Although incidence rates are uncertain it is known that PID constitutes a major public health problem in many of these areas. The underlying causes and the type severity and incidence of sequelae vary among countries. Using data on PID in developed countries an epidemiological model for use in developing countries has been derived. The model indicates the incidence of both gonococcal lower genital tract infections and nongonococcal lower genital tract infections which can lead to acute PID. Such sequelae of PID as ectopic pregnancy infertility chronic pain chronic infection and repeated acute PID result from PID. If statistics are known for any category in the model it is possible to estimate statistics for the other categories.