Assessing risk factors associated with pelvic inflammatory disease in Iranian women: a study in Tehran

Purpose: Risk factors of pelvic inflammatory disease can be different in different countries because of different sexual behaviors and religious restrictions. This study investigated the risk factors of this disease in Iranian women in Tehran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional, descriptive study 1104 women with pelvic inflammatory disease were assessed from May 2010 to March 2011. The data were gathered by a questionnaire. Results: Among the studied women 82.34 % were married and 49.37 % were 20-30 years old. Of them 54.89 % had their first sexual encounter between the ages of 15-20 years old. 98.10% had only one sexual partner and 75.54 % had not had any new sexual partner one year before the beginning of study. In 90.22%of cases their spouse had no other sexual partner as well. The number of women experiencing two to three intercourses per week was high (49.37%). Also, 48.46 % had one or two previous pregnancies. The most common contraception method was condom (31.06%). Among them, 70.65 % had high school diploma or less degrees and 87.04% were in low to middle socio-economic status. Conclusion: Pelvic inflammatory disease is more common in married Iranian women aged 20 to 30 years old who have had their first sexual encounter before the age of 20 years old.