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This describes an
infection in a woman’s pelvic region.
What to look for
With acute pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID):
With chronic PID:
recurrent pain in the
lower abdomen,
backache
irregular periods
pain during intercourse.
infertility.
heavy,
unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge.
If not treated promptly PID
can become very serious and often fatal.
PID can be either acute or
chronic. Acute PID comes on suddenly and is usually severe. Chronic PID is an infection
that may cause only recurrent mild pain and sometimes backache. Some women have no obvious
symptoms.
Causes
PID is caused by bacteria
from contaminated semen that swim from the vagina into the uterus. Most cases of PID used
to be caused by the organism responsible for the
sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, or
by Chlamydia. Recently, researchers have linked other organisms to PID.
The risk of PID increases
after childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, the insertion of an (IUD) for contraception.
Your doctor will give you a
pelvic examination and if there is an infection, he or she will take a sample for
examination.
Traditional Treatment
Because PID is such a
serious ailment, you must consult your doctor who will recommend the best course of
action.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Only use alternative
methods during or after conventional treatment to help speed recovery.
Herbal Therapies -
To
help fight PID infection, herbalists recommend Echinacea (Echinacea spp.), meadowsweet,
goldenseal, St John’s Wort or calendula (Calendula officinalis). Blue Cohosh
(Caulophyllum thalictroides) and false unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum).
Go to our Herbal Page
Dietary
Considerations
To strengthen your immune
system and help speed your recovery, eat plenty of whole foods.
Vitamin supplements may
also enhance your immune system. Especially,
vitamin A,
vitamin C, and
vitamin B complex.
PREVENTION
Use contraception
(condoms, diaphragm, or a cervical cap with spermicides).
Avoid putting anything in
your vagina for two to three weeks after an abortion, a miscarriage, or a D and C and for
six weeks after childbirth. - no intercourse, douching, and no tampons.
Do not use an IUD.
If you have a history of
pelvic infections or have several sexual partners, use barrier methods of contraception
and avoid intercourse during your menstrual period.
Get prompt treatment for
any
sexually transmitted disease.
When to seek further
professional advice
you experience sudden
abdominal pain
you experience any
abnormal menstrual bleeding
you experience a vaginal
discharge that is foul-smelling
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