Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

October 31, 2020Females85

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs. The pelvis is in the lower abdomen and organs include in it are – Fallopian tubes , ovaries , cervix and the uterus.

Several different types of bacteria can cause Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID)including the same bacteria that causes the sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. What commonly occurs is that Bacteria first enter the vagina and causes an infection. As time passes ,this infection can move into the pelvic organs. PID can become extremely dangerous even life threatening ,if the infection spreads to your blood.

Symptoms –

Sign and symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(PID) might be mild and difficult to recognise ,but when symptoms appear they may include –

1) Pain – ranging from mild to severe – in lower abdomen and in pelvis.

2) Abnormal or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odour.

3) Abnormal Uterine bleeding , especially during or after intercourse or between menstrual cycles.

4) Pain during intercourse.

5) Fever higher even above 101 °F sometimes with chills.

6) Painful ,frequent or difficult urination.

7) Tiredness

8) Vomitting

When to see a Doctor –

You should see to the Doctor when following symptoms appear in Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) –

1) Severe pain in lower abdomen.

2) Nausea and Vomitting.

3) Fever with temperature higher than 101°F.

4) Foul vaginal discharge.

Causes –

1) Many types of bacteria can cause PID ,but Gonorrhoea or Chlamydia infections are the most common. These bacteria are usually acquired during unprotected sex.

2) One more reason which is less common but occurs is that, bacteria can enter your reproductive tract anytime whenever normal barrier created by cervix get to disturb. This can happen during menstruation ,after delivery , miscarriage or abortion.

3) Rarely , bacteria can enter the reproductive tract during the insertion of an Intrauterine Device (IUD) or any medical procedure that involves inserting instrument into the uterus.

Risk factors –

Following are the risk factors which increases chances of PID to happen –

1) Being a sexually active women younger than 25 years.

2) Having multiple sex partners.

3) Being in a sexual relationship with a person who has more than one sex partner.

4) Having unprotected intercourse.

5) Regular douching may upsets the balance of good versus harmful bacteria in the vagina.

6) Having history of pelvic Inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted diseases.

Tests for PID –

Your Doctor may be able to diagnose PID after hearing your symptoms ,but in most cases ,your Doctor will run tests to confirm diagnosis :-

1) Pelvic Examination

2) Cervical Culture

3) Urine Test

Complications –

Untreated PID might cause scar tissue and pockets of infected fluid (abscesses) to develop in the reproductive tract .These can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs due to which following complications may appear –

1) Ectopic or tubal pregnancy –

The scar tissue prevents the fertilized egg from making its way through the tube to implant the uterus , instead ,the egg implants in the Fallopian tubes.

2) Infertility –

The more times you have PID ,greater your risk of infertility.

3) Chronic pelvic pain –

Scarring in your fallopian tubes and other pelvic organs can cause pain during intercourse and ovulation.

4) Tubo- ovarian Abscess –

Most commonly abscesses affect the fallopian tubes and ovaries ,but they can develop in Uterus and other pelvic organs too. If an abscess left untreated ,you could develop a life threatening infection.

Prevention –

1) Practice safe sex.

2) Talk to your doctor about contraception.

3) Get tested for sexually transmitted disease.

4) Request that your partner to be tested.

5) Don’t douche.

6) Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom to stop bacteria entry in your vagina.

Treatment –

Your doctor will give you antibiotics like Cefotaxim , Metronidazole,Cefotriaxone , Ciprofloxacin etc.to treat PID. Most of the time , atleast two antibiotics are used that work against many different types of bacteria. You must take all your antibiotics ,even if your symptoms go away. This helps to make sure your infection full cured.

Ayurvedic way to treat PID –

1) Eliminate causes of inflammation –

Avoid food which trigger inflammation like red meat ,fat rich food like cheese , refined sugar , refined flour,over spicy food.

2) Include food which boost immunity –

Include plenty of bitter and astringent vegetables like asparagus , lettuce , spinach, cucumbers ,fresh coriander etc. Spices and herbs like turmeric ,ginger ,cumin ,coriander ,funnel ,mint ,parsley etc. help in strengthening immunity.

3) Some Ayurvedic herbs –

a) Ashoka –

It has powerful antioxidant property and helps reducing inflammation in PID .It works as Uterine tonic and boost health of reproductive organs.

b) Turmeric –

It’s antimicrobial property helps in bringing down infections and strengthen immunity in PID.

c) Dhataki –

It is an ingredient in classical Ayurvedic powder Pushyanug churna. It is a must use herb in PID because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

d) Daruharidra –

It also helps in reducing inflammation of reproductive tissue in PID.

e) Nagakesar –

It has astringent qualities and helps in reducing muscle cramps , vaginal discharge and infections.

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