Post-Partum Care and the Increased Risk for PID, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, PID, is a significant health concern for many women. In the United States, it is estimated that well over 10,000 hospital admissions each year are attributed to the extensive complications of untreated PID infection. With long term health complications to women who suffer from PID, there is a growing concern among the gynecological specialty.

In many gynecological settings, women are screened for sexual transmitted diseases that may lead to the development of PID. Even without a woman's knowledge, these health screenings are commonly incorporated into the annual examination and Pap smear. For women who are in post-partum care, there is a growing concern over the risks of PID.

Following the end of a pregnant, without regard to how the pregnancy may have ended, a woman is at a grater risk for infection that any other time in her life. While some women may carry a Chlamydia or gonococcal infection prior to pregnancy, there are simply more women who acquire the complication in the 12 months after pregnancy has ended. With cervical and hormonal changes, women are at a greater risk for infection and various other health complications during this period.

Pelvic inflammatory disease, PID, is generally not an acute complication of infection. Therefore, in women who develop PID in the 12 months of post-partum care, there is speculation as to when the infection may have developed. Without clear prenatal screening, many obstetricians and gynecologists are concerned over the increased risk these STD infections may have upon the long term health of women.