Risk factors

Risk factors related to sexual behaviour include:

• age - peak incidence in 15 - 24 year old age group
• untreated male partner
• recent change of male partner – within previous 3 months
• sexual activity: - PID is rare among nuns and lesbians - women with multiple partners show a five fold increased risk
• previous PID - 25% risk of recurrence
• past history of STD – in patient or partner

Recent instrumentation of the uterus or interruption of the cervical barrier

• intrauterine contraceptive device - two to nine fold increase in risk, mostly during the first 6 weeks after insertion
• surgical procedures: -
  • termination of pregnancy
  • dilatation and curettage
  • tubal surgery - removal of retained products
  • hysteroscopy - laparoscopy and dye
  • in vitro fertilisation and intrauterine insemination

Reference:

1. Curry A, Williams T, Penny ML. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Sep 15;100(6):357-364.