By Divine Ifeanyichukwu
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious and much too frequently underrated menace to the reproductive well-being of Nigerian women. (WHO 2016) This acute infection of the upper genital tract, involving the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, has catastrophic long-term effects if it is not early and correctly diagnosed and treated.
The situation of PID in Nigeria should be understood for unmet clinical needs to be identified and for possible opportunities of effective interventions.
PID is mainly the result of untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and the most frequent perpetrators are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Nevertheless, other bacteria acquired during birth, abortion, or some gynaecological procedures can also lead to its formation. (Tsevat, J. J. et.al. 2017)
A review of different regions of Nigeria reports a high prevalence of PID among reproductive-age women with some studies estimating 20-30% prevalence among women in gynaecological clinics. (ResearchGate 2024)
Symptoms
PID’s stealthy nature typically results in late diagnosis. The infection develops in numerous women without causing serious symptoms, and they unknowingly permit the damage to be done. If symptoms do exist, pain in the lower abdomen, unusual vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse, irregular menstrual bleeding, and fever can occur. (Mayo Clinic N.D.) Unfortunately, symptoms can be non-specific and are readily blamed on other conditions, once more operating against early treatment.
The consequences of untreated or inadequately treated PID are severe and long-term. Chronic pelvic pain can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Infertility is probably the most devastating complication, a condition with widespread social and emotional implications in the majority of Nigerian cultures. PID is one of the most widespread reasons for tubal factor infertility since the infection may lead to scarring and closure of the fallopian tubes, such that a fertilized egg cannot travel through to the uterus.
In addition, women who have experienced PID have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy, a dangerous complication during which a fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus. (Leshi J. 2025)
Addressing PID in Nigeria requires a multi-pronged approach. From a pharmaceutical perspective, this includes:
● Improved Diagnostics: Access to rapid, accurate, and affordable diagnostic tests for common causative pathogens like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea is essential for timely and appropriate treatment.
● Effective Antimicrobial Therapies: Ensuring the availability and rational use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that cover the likely polymicrobial nature of PID is critical. Ongoing surveillance for antimicrobial resistance patterns in Nigeria is also vital to guide treatment guidelines.
● Patient and Healthcare Provider Education: There is a clear need for increased awareness campaigns about PID symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early medical intervention.Pharmaceutical companies can play a role in supporting educational initiatives for both the public and healthcare professionals.
● Partnership and Health System Strengthening: Collaborating with public health authorities, NGOs, and healthcare providers can help improve screening programs, treatment protocols, and patient follow-up, particularly in underserved communities.
Furthermore, research into the specific epidemiological patterns of PID in Nigeria, including antimicrobial resistance trends, is essential to guide public health strategies and optimize treatment protocols. Collaboration between the government, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, and the pharmaceutical sector can foster a more robust response to this silent epidemic.
In conclusion, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease poses a substantial threat to the reproductive health and well-being of Nigerian women. By recognizing its significance and working collaboratively to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, we can strive to reduce its burden and safeguard the future health of women across the nation.
References
Mayo Clinic. (N.D.). Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Symptoms & causes.[1] World Health Organization. (2016). Global Health Sector Strategy on Sexually Transmitted Infections 2016-2021.
Leshi J. Premium Times Nigeria. (2025). PT Health Watch: How pelvic inflammatory disease threatens fertility in women.
ResearchGate. (2024). Prevalence of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease among Women of Reproductive Age Attending Gynaecology Clinic at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.30
Tsevat, J. J., Wiesenfeld, H. C., Parks, C., & Peipert, J. F. (2017). Sexually transmitted diseases and infertility. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 216(1), 1-9.13
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