Which sexually transmitted infection is known to cause cervicitis and has a connection to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?

Chlamydia trachomatis is known for its role in causing cervicitis and its strong association with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It is a common sexually transmitted infection that, when left untreated, can ascend from the cervix into the upper reproductive tract, leading to complications such as PID. This infection can often be asymptomatic, particularly in women, which contributes to its ability to cause significant reproductive health issues without immediate identification. PID is a serious condition that may result in long-term complications, including infertility and chronic pelvic pain, reinforcing the importance of recognizing Chlamydia as a critical factor in reproductive health.

While gonorrhea also causes cervicitis and has a connection to PID, Chlamydia is frequently more prevalent and is often screened for in the context of reproductive health due to its significant association with these conditions. Other options, like human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus, are associated with different types of symptoms and complications, primarily related to warts or herpetic lesions, rather than cervicitis and PID specifically.