Role of sexual behavior in the development of pelvic inflammatory disease
Newton, W.; Keith, L.G.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 30(2): 82-88
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 3884805 Document Number: 408737
The role of sexual behavior in the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has not been adequately assessed. Nonetheless, clinical reports, the age structure of PID patients, and the striking association of the sexual revolution with increased rates of PID provide support for the hypothesis that the development of PID is clearly associated with sexual activity. Although flawed in design and method, several studies have suggested that multiple sexual partners are a significant risk factor for the development of PID. Other studies aimed at determining the effect of frequency of intercourse, timing of intercourse, and sexual life style have provided inconclusive results. The inaccuracy of clinical diagnosis of PID limits the reliability of the results of many studies. Other obstacles have included the failure to describe confounding variables in the selection of controls and the questionable reliability and validity of information gathered on sexual history. Researchers must aggressively pursue the study of PID in the context of all its risk factors, including sexual behavior, prior history of PID, race, socioeconomic status, and IUD use. The findings generated from such research would enable physicians to counsel patients on the risks of certain aspects of sexual behavior.