Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women is a major cause of sterility (infertility).

An infection of the uterine tubes, PID affects an estimated 850,000 women each year in the United States. In many cases, sexually transmitted pathogens are involved. As much as 5080 percent of all first cases may be due to infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae , the organism responsible for symptoms of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease. Invasion of the region by bacteria that normally reside in the vagina can also cause PID. Recently, another sexually transmitted bacterium, belonging to the genus Chlamydia , has been identified as the probable cause of up to 50 percent of all cases of PID. Despite the fact that women with this infection may develop few, if any, symptoms, scarring of the uterine tubes can still produce infertility. The Uterus provides mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for the developing embryo (weeks 18) and fetus (from week 9 to delivery). In addition, contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus are important in ejecting the fetus at the time of birth. The uterus is a small, pearshaped organ about 7.5 cm (3 in.) long with a maximum diameter of 5 cm (2 in.). It weighs 3040 g (11.4 oz). In its normal position, the uterus bends anteriorly near its base, a condition known as anteflexion. In this position, the uterus tilts anteriorly, covering the superior and posterior surfaces of the urinary bladder. Suspensory Ligaments of the Uterus In addition to the broad ligament, three pairs of suspensory ligaments stabilize the position of the uterus and limit its range of movement.