Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is the most common cause of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)?

1. Chlamydia

2. Gonorrhea

3. Candidiasis

4. HIV

The correct answer is: Gonorrhea

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is primarily an infection of the female reproductive organs often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The most common cause of PID is indeed a bacterial infection from organisms that typically cause STIs. Among these, Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent, followed closely by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea. While both chlamydia and gonorrhea are significant contributors to PID, studies indicate that chlamydia is more common. Consequently, the assertion that gonorrhea is the most common cause of PID does not align with the predominant clinical evidence, which recognizes chlamydia as the leading cause. Candidiasis, on the other hand, is a fungal infection and does not typically lead to PID, while HIV increases susceptibility to other infections but is not a direct cause of PID. Hence, focusing on the bacterial STIs, chlamydia stands out above gonorrhea as the most frequently identified agent in cases of PID. Understanding this distinction is crucial for medical professionals in diagnosing and managing PID effectively.