Abstract
Introduction: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is one of the most common gynecological infections affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by infection and inflammation of the upper female genital tract, involving the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. In Paraguay, PID remains an important cause of gynecological consultation, hospitalization, and reproductive complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Objective: To determine the prevalence and the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease in a referral hospital in Paraguay during the first semester of 2026. Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 85 medical records of patients diagnosed with PID between January and June 2026 were analyzed. Sociodemographic, clinical, and associated risk factors were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of PID was 18.4% among gynecological consultations performed during the study period. The predominant age group was 20 to 29 years (47.1%). Pelvic pain was the most frequent symptom (89.4%), followed by vaginal discharge (72.9%) and fever (37.6%). A history of sexually transmitted infections was present in 41.2% of the patients. Conclusions: PID mainly affected young women of reproductive age. Early diagnosis and timely access to treatment are essential to reduce reproductive complications and improve the sexual and reproductive health of Paraguayan women.
Keywords
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Reproductive Health, Epidemiology, Paraguay
INTRODUCTION
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an ascending infection of the female upper genital tract, primarily caused by sexually transmitted microorganisms such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, as well as anaerobic bacteria and other microorganisms from the vaginal flora. It represents a major public health concern because of its significant impact on female fertility and quality of life.
Globally, millions of women are diagnosed with PID each year, particularly sexually active women under 35 years of age. Numerous studies have shown that the infection can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, significantly increasing the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
In Latin America, the incidence of the disease remains high due to factors such as limited access to healthcare services, delayed diagnosis, multiple sexual partners, and low use of protective methods during sexual intercourse.
In Paraguay, sexually transmitted infections are a common reason for gynecological consultations. However, there are few recent studies describing the epidemiological situation of pelvic inflammatory disease in hospital settings across the country.
Given the clinical and epidemiological importance of this condition, updated information is needed to strengthen prevention strategies, promote early diagnosis, and ensure timely treatment.
Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease at a referral hospital in Paraguay during the first semester of 2026.
METHODOS
An observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a referral hospital in Paraguay between January and June 2026.
The study population consisted of all patients diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) during the study period. The sample included 85 medical records that met the inclusion criteria.
Inclusion Criteria
Patients with a clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease.
Complete medical records.
Women treated between January and June 2026.
Exclusion Criteria
Incomplete medical records.
Unconfirmed gynecological diagnosis.
Statistical Analysis
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative variables were expressed as absolute frequencies and percentages. The results were presented in tables and figures.
Ethical Considerations
The study complied with the ethical principles established in the Declaration of Helsinki. The information obtained was used exclusively for scientific purposes, ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of all patients.
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RESULTS
Age | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
15-19 años | 12 | 14,1 |
20-29 años | 40 | 47,1 |
30-39 años | 21 | 24,7 |
≥40 años | 12 | 14,1 |
Total | 85 | 100 |
Marital status | Frequency | % |
Single | 38 | 44,7 |
Cohabiting | 26 | 30,6 |
Married | 18 | 21,2 |
Divorced | 3 | 3,5 |
Symptoms | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
Pelvic pain | 76 | 89,4 |
Vaginal discharge | 62 | 72,9 |
Fever | 32 | 37,6 |
Abnormal vaginal bleeding | 21 | 24,7 |
Dyspareunia | 19 | 22,4 |
Factor | Frequency | % |
|---|---|---|
History of sexually transmitted infection | 35 | 41,2 |
Multiple sexual partners | 28 | 32,9 |
Intrauterine device (IUD) use | 14 | 16,5 |
Previous episodes of pelvic inflammatory | 11 | 12,9 |
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study show that pelvic inflammatory disease predominantly affects young women of reproductive age, consistent with research conducted in Latin America and other regions of the world.
The most affected age group was women between 20 and 29 years, a stage characterized by higher sexual activity and increased exposure to sexually transmitted infections. Likewise, pelvic pain and vaginal discharge were the most frequent clinical manifestations, findings that are consistent with the international scientific literature.
A history of sexually transmitted infections was identified as one of the main associated factors, reinforcing the need to strengthen sexual health education and prevention strategies.
Early detection and timely treatment remain essential to prevent permanent reproductive sequelae, particularly tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
Among the study limitations are its retrospective design and the use of medical records, which may introduce information bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Pelvic inflammatory disease was a frequent cause of gynecological consultation during the first semester of 2026.
The highest prevalence was observed in young women between 20 and 29 years of age. Pelvic pain and vaginal discharge were the most common clinical manifestations. A history of sexually transmitted infections was identified as the main associated factor.
Strengthening sexual health education programs, sexually transmitted infection prevention strategies, and early diagnosis is recommended in order to reduce the burden of disease and its reproductive complications.
References
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Declarations
Funding
The study did not receive external funding.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Authorship contributions
Drafting – original draft: Elina Uchôa Lacerda, Gustavo Andrade dos Santos, Grazielle Maria Nascimento da Silva.
Writing–review and editing: Elina Uchôa Lacerda, Gustavo Andrade dos Santos, Grazielle Maria Nascimento da Silva.