The oral contraceptive pill may hav

The oral contraceptive pill may have a protective
quality against PID, as the progesterone component
provides a protective barrier to the cervical canal
inhibiting bacteria ascending, similar to the
progesterone-dominant phase of the menstrual cycle.
It is also suggested that the inactive endometrium may
impede bacterial attachment (Holmes et al, 2008).
It has been suggested that an intra-uterine device
(IUD) for contraception may provide a route for
bacteria to ascend into the upper genital tract (Holmes
et al, 2008); however, it has been identified that the
risk of this occurring is less than 1% in women at low
risk of having an STI (European Society of Human
Reproduction and Embryology Capri Workshop
Group, 2008). This does, however, suggest that those
who are at higher risk should be screened prior to the
procedure. It has also been identified that IUDs should
not necessarily be removed when treating patients for
PID (BASHH, 2011; Tepper et al, 2013).
Condoms remain the single most beneficial method
to protect both women and men from acquiring
bacteria during sex.