Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Definition
Ascending infection from the vagina or cervix to the uterus, fallopian
tubes, and broad ligaments in the lower abdomen.
Causes
Almost any bacteria can cause PID, but the most frequent agents are
Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Transmitted by sexual
intercourse with a man with urethritis; insertion of an IUD, an abortion,
or childbirth. Highly infectious disease.
Symptoms
A mucopurulent (pus-like) vaginal discharge caused by cervicitis
(inflammation of the cervix). There may be associated difficulty in
urination due to urethritis (inflammation of the urethra); pain and
bleeding from the rectal area due to inflammation of the anal/rectal
area; abdominal pain may be midline or bilateral in the lower abdomen;
when salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes) is present,
the pain and tenderness are severe and usually accompanied by nausea
and vomiting. Fever and increased white blood cell count. Severe pain
during pelvic examination. PID must be distinguished from ectopic
pregnancy, appendicitis, or other pelvic diseases by a doctor.
Treatment
Early therapy with appropriate antibiotics is important if subsequent
infertility due to occlusion and scarring of the Fallopian tubes by
adhesions is to be prevented. All sexual partners should be examined
for evidence of sexually transmitted diseases and, if positive, treated
with the appropriate antibiotic.
Herbal Medicine Formulas and Recipes
Chinese Formulas
Ayurvedic Formulas
Nutrients
Acidophilus, 3 capsules or 1 tbsp. liquid 3 times
a day, is important when taking antibiotics. Garlic capsules, 2
capsules 3 times daily, is a natural antibiotic
and immune system stimulant. Should be accompanied by Doctor's advice.
Vitamin C, 3,000 - 10,000 mg.
daily (divide into 4 doses per day), helps immune function
and is an antiviral agent. Zinc, 100 mg. daily, helps
healing and the immune function. Kelp, 6 tablets per
day, supplies balanced vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B
complex, 50 mg. daily, is necessary in all cellular enzyme
system function. Germanium, 100 mg daily, speeds healing
and reduces pain or discomfort. Multivitamin and mineral complex,
as directed on the label, promotes immune function. Vitamin
K, 100 mcg. daily in tablet form, is necessary
for blood clotting. Alfalfa is a good source.
Herbs
TB
- Echinacea
- Golden seal
- Pau d'arco
- Suma
Any of these may alleviate symptoms. Alternate teas and consume three
cups daily or take in capsule or extract form.
- Bearberry
- Rattlesnake-master
- Bistort root
- Blazing-star, rough
- Burdock, great
- Cleavers
- Compass-plant
- Cubeb berries
- Gale, sweet
- Gentian root
- Goldenseal
- Gumweed (rosinweed)
- Horsetail, field
- Jasmine, yellow
- Lily, wild pond
- Maple, striped
- Myrrh gum
- Ninebark
- Quinine, wild
- Red root
- Sarsaparilla
- Skullcap
- Strawberry, common or Virginia
- Willow, black
- Yellow dock
Recommendations
This disease is highly contagious. The Journal of the American Medical
Association suggests that you protect yourself with condoms. Condoms
should be used, but they are no guarantee of protection against venereal
diseases! Check with your doctor!
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