Primary prevention
Behavioural change is central to the prevention of PID, as potentially modifiable risk factors are associated with PID (e.g., practising safe sex).[18][19] High-risk patients should be counselled on safer sex behaviours such as the use of condoms, and the risk of infection with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).[20] Counselling and testing for HIV infection should be done where appropriate.
In clinical trials, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with doxycycline has shown benefit in reducing the incidence of subsequent STIs (syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea) in high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW).[21][22][23] On the basis of the observed efficacy of PEP with doxycycline for reducing the risk of STIs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that MSM and TGW who have had a syphilis, chlamydia, or gonorrhoea infection within the previous 12 months should receive counselling that PEP with doxycycline can be used to prevent these infections.[24] PEP with doxycycline could also be discussed with MSM and TGW who have not had a bacterial STI within the previous 12 months, but who are likely to participate in sexual activities that are known to be high risk for exposure to STIs.[24] PEP with doxycycline can be self-administered within 72 hours of sexual intercourse. Individuals prescribed PEP with doxycycline should undergo STI testing every 3-6 months.
Secondary prevention
Men who have had sexual contact with a woman diagnosed with PID during the 60 days prior to the onset of symptoms should be evaluated and treated with regimens that are effective against chlamydia and gonorrhoea. If a patient's last sexual intercourse was >60 days before onset of symptoms or diagnosis, the patient's most recent sexual partner should be treated.
[ 
]
Women should be advised to avoid sexual intercourse until they and their partners have completed the treatment course. If adequate screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia in the sexual partner(s) is not possible, empirical therapy for gonorrhoea and chlamydia should be prescribed.[1]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer