Which two sexually transmitted infections are the leading causes of PID?

• A. Gonorrhea and chlamydia
• B. Gonorrhea and syphilis
• C. Chlamydia and HPV
• D. Syphilis and herpes

Answer: (A)

Pelvic inflammatory disease stems from infection of the upper female genital tract that usually begins with cervicitis and then ascends to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The organisms most strongly linked to this ascending infection are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. These sexually transmitted pathogens commonly cause cervicitis, and especially when Chlamydia is present, the infection can be asymptomatic but still rise into the upper tract, leading to inflammation, scarring, and the complications PID can cause, such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Other infections listed, like syphilis, herpes, or HPV, are not the primary drivers of PID, even though they may be present in individuals who have PID. Thus, gonorrhea and chlamydia are the leading causes of PID.