Pelvic inflammatory disease and the risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis Original paper

Researched by:

  • Divine Aleru ID
    Divine Aleru

    User avatarI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

June 19, 2025

  • Women’s Health
    Women’s Health

    Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
    Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

    Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a complex interplay between pathogens, immune responses, and microbial communities. As research continues to uncover the microbiome's role in reproductive health, microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs) such as probiotics, prebiotics, and transplants are redefining how we prevent and treat PID. This page dives deep into these innovations, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized, biologically informed women’s healthcare.

Researched by:

  • Divine Aleru ID
    Divine Aleru

    User avatarI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

Last Updated: 2025

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Divine Aleru

I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.

What was studied?

This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and the risk of ovarian cancer. The authors reviewed studies from various databases, including PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science, focusing on cohort and case-control studies that examined the relationship between PID and ovarian cancer risk. They aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this potential link by updating previous meta-analyses and addressing variations in the study results.

Who was studied?

The study included women diagnosed with PID, as identified through clinical records, hospital diagnoses, or self-reported data. The study population included those who were later diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The research incorporated data from various studies, with participants drawn from both Asian and Caucasian populations. Data from 13 eligible studies were included, which involved cohort studies (which used medical records) and case-control studies (which relied on self-reported history of PID).

What were the most important findings?

The meta-analysis found that PID is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. The association was more pronounced among Asian women compared to Caucasian women. This suggests that PID may be a significant risk factor for ovarian cancer, particularly in populations with different racial and ethnic backgrounds. The study also observed a stronger association between PID and borderline ovarian tumors, but the link with invasive ovarian cancer was weaker. The risk estimate remained elevated in cohort studies, but the association was less significant in case-control studies. These results indicate that PID may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, especially for borderline tumors, but further research is needed to fully clarify this relationship.

What are the greatest implications of this study?

The findings from this meta-analysis suggest that PID may contribute to ovarian cancer risk, particularly in women with a history of sexually transmitted infections that lead to PID. The study highlights the importance of early and effective treatment for PID to reduce long-term reproductive health risks, including ovarian cancer. Given the heightened risk in Asian women, healthcare providers may consider more frequent screening and preventive measures for this group. The study also points to the need for further large cohort studies with long-term follow-up and better diagnostic methods to clarify the causal relationship between PID and ovarian cancer. These findings could inform clinical practice guidelines and public health strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of ovarian cancer.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a complex interplay between pathogens, immune responses, and microbial communities. As research continues to uncover the microbiome's role in reproductive health, microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs) such as probiotics, prebiotics, and transplants are redefining how we prevent and treat PID. This page dives deep into these innovations, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized, biologically informed women’s healthcare.

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