Patient: It’s been difficult for me lately, what I’ve been through. My lower abdominal pain began as a mild discomfort and has since progressed to a heavy, continuous cramping that occasionally feels like a sharp stab, especially during my periods. This stinging feeling has made even urinating uncomfortable. My vaginal discharge has changed, which is concerning, and I’m extremely tired. My lower legs in particular hurt all the time, making it difficult for me to concentrate or find relief. This uneasy feeling won’t go away, and it’s seriously interfering with my day-to-day activities.
An infection of the female reproductive system that mainly affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Here are some PID details:
Anatomy:
The uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix include the female reproductive system. PID occurs by bacteria that enter the upper reproductive organs through the cervix or vagina and cause infection and inflammation.
Causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Common Causes:
Bacterial vaginosis has also been identified as a possible trigger for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which is frequently caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Polymicrobial Nature:
PID frequently consists of a mixture of facultative and anaerobic microbes. Research has indicated that facultative bacteria and anaerobes can coexist in the upper genital tract with N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis.
Pathogen Ascension Pathway:
Pathogens can move from the vagina to the pelvic cavity through the internal structure of the female reproductive tract. PID risk is increased by disruption of the vaginal microbiota, such as in bacterial vaginosis.
Non-Sexual Transmission:
Although C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea are frequent causes, cases of PID have been documented in people who assert they have never had sex.
Age of onset:
Women of reproductive age are at risk for PID, which is more common in those under 25 who are sexually active. However, it can occur at any age.
RISK FACTORS
Several factors can increase the risk of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Common risk factors include:
1. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Having a history of STIs, especially Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, significantly increases the risk of PID.
2. Young Age: Adolescents and young adults are at a higher risk, possibly due to increased sexual activity and a higher prevalence of STIs in this age group.
3. Multiple Sexual Partners: Engaging in sexual activities with multiple partners or having a partner with multiple sexual contacts increases the risk of exposure to STIs.
4. Recent STI or PID:A recent episode of an STI or a previous occurrence of PID raises the risk of subsequent PID.
5. Intrauterine Device (IUD): Women using intrauterine devices for contraception have a slightly higher risk of developing PID, particularly in the first few weeks after insertion.
6. Douching: Practices such as vaginal douching can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the vagina, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections that may lead to PID.
7. Barrier Contraceptive Methods: Dependence on barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, can reduce the risk of STIs and PID.
8. Endometrial Procedures: Certain medical procedures involving the endometrium, such as childbirth, abortion, or insertion of an intrauterine device, may introduce bacteria into the reproductive tract.
9. Bacterial Vaginosis: Imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, as seen in bacterial vaginosis, is associated with an increased risk of PID.
10. Smoking: Some studies suggest that smoking may be a risk factor for PID, possibly due to its impact on the immune system.
Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) symptoms can change over time and range in severity. While late-stage symptoms may point to more serious problems, early signs could be moderate or general. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone with PID will exhibit every symptom, and some people may only have infections that cause no symptoms at all.
Early symptoms
1-Mild Pelvic Pain: Pelvic pain can be intermittent and modest at first.
2-Subtle Vaginal Discharge Changes: In the beginning, there might be slight variations in the volume or consistency of the vaginal discharge.
3-Urinating Can Be Painful: In the beginning, some people may feel pain or discomfort when urinating.
4-Low-Grade temperature: As the body fights the infection, a slight temperature could be experienced.
5-Painful intercourse: Early on, there might be some little pain or discomfort experienced during sexual activity.
6-Lower Abdominal Tenderness: The lower abdomen may feel sensitive to touch.
7-General Malaise: Early PID may be accompanied by a generalized feeling of being sick or tired.
Late Symptoms (signaling a more serious infection or associated problems):
7-Severe Pelvic Pain: As the infection worsens, persistent, severe pelvic pain may develop.
8-High Fever: The existence of a high temperature may suggest a more severe infection.
9-Sickness and nausea: Severe PID episodes may cause vomiting and nausea.
10-Lightheadedness or Fainting: Severe infections might, in rare instances, cause dizziness and low blood pressure.
11-Increased Vaginal Discharge with an Unpleasant Odor:There may be an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge as well as a stronger, unpleasant odor.
12-Abscess Formation: In rare circumstances, PID may result in the development of painful abscesses in the reproductive organs.
Acupuncture Treatment for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
IT CAN BE USED AS COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY
Lower Abdomen Points:
Location: Just above the pubic bone.
Purpose: May help with pelvic pain and discomfort.
Spleen 6 (SP6) or San Yin Jiao:
Location: On the inner side of the leg, about four finger widths above the ankle.
Purpose: Considered a vital point for women’s health, may address menstrual and reproductive issues.
Conception Vessel 4 (CV4) or Guanyuan:
Location: About three finger widths below the navel.
Purpose: Believed to support reproductive health and address menstrual irregularities.
Governing Vessel 20 (GV20) or Baihui:
Location: At the top of the head.
Purpose: May be used for general well-being and stress reduction.
Kidney 3 (KD3) or Taixi:
Location: In the depression between the ankle and the Achilles tendon.
Purpose: Linked to kidney function and may be considered for reproductive health.
Cupping for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
A key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is cupping therapy, which makes use of the negative pressure produced by suction and combustion. Applying cupping to acupoints or targeted body parts causes localized tissue congestion, which efficiently warms channels, releases collaterals, and reduces pain and edema. It facilitates pus discharge and toxin extraction. Current studies show that cupping promotes blood circulation, phagocyte function, and nervous system regulation. It is a novel and advantageous method of treating Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) because of these results. The negative pressure stimulation of cupping increases metabolism, stimulates pelvic blood flow, aids in the absorption of inflammation, and speeds up tissue restoration. Furthermore, it boosts immunity, which may decrease treatment duration and lower the likelihood of recurrence.
Herbal Treatment For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Curcuma longa, or ginger: well-known for its anti-inflammatory qualities; it can be added to food or taken as a supplement.
- Garlic, Allium Sativum: Traditionally utilized for its antibacterial and immune-boosting properties; it can be consumed as part of a diet or as a supplement.
- Ginger, Zingiber Officinale: renowned for having anti-inflammatory and perhaps pain-relieving qualities; can be drunk fresh or as a supplement.
- Purpurea Echinacea (Echinacea): Often used to strengthen immunity; comes in a variety of forms, such as teas and supplements.
- Goldenseal, or Hydrastis Canadensis: renowned for having antibacterial properties; comes in a variety of forms, but use caution and speak with a healthcare professional before doing so.
- Chamomile, or Matricaria Chamomilla: renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties; frequently used as a sedative; can be drunk as tea
- Aloe Vera, or Aloe Barbadensis Miller: administered topically due to its soothing effects.
- Other Natural Treatments:
- Camellia Sinensis, or green tea: is renowned for its anti-oxidant qualities
- Cat Claw: Uncaria tomentosa: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal qualities are among the benefits; nevertheless, be aware of possible medication interactions.
- (Ananus comosus) bromelain: lessens discomfort and inflammation; beware of increased bleeding, particularly in those who are on blood thinners.
- Reishi mushrooms, or Ganoderma lucidum: are renowned for their immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties; use caution if bleeding becomes more severe.
- Olive leaf, or Olea Europaea: Supports the immune system and has antibacterial, antifungal, and cautionary effects on potential drop in blood pressure and blood sugar
Bioresonance Treatment For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
It is suggested that bioresonance therapy, which harmonizes electromagnetic oscillations, can eradicate bacteria and viruses. Although advocates claim possible advantages, it’s important to remember that there is only 70–80% scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating PID.
People who have experimented with bioresonance have claimed success, observing reductions in symptoms associated with PID, including as fever, inflammation, weariness, malaise, discomfort, and anxiety. Practitioners assert that bioresonance helps the body get rid of bacteria and viruses, which helps with pain relief, lowering fevers, and easing exhaustion. Furthermore, experts believe that bioresonance therapy can modify bodily signals, which may help to relieve acute pain and lessen the intensity of chronic pain.
Homeopathic Treatment for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Horse chestnut, or Aesculus hippocastanum
is recommended for people with pelvic pain, especially those with back pain and fullness. It could be taken into consideration for symptoms including kidney pain, discomfort in the navel area, left-side ureter pain, throbbing pelvic pain, and weakness in the back.
arsenious acid, also known as Arsenicum album
For patients experiencing scorching pelvic pain. It may help with symptoms like weakness after urinating, backache with a burning feeling, heavy menstruation flow, stomach pain when coughing, and pain in the pelvis that radiates to the thighs. In cold, rainy weather, symptoms get worse; in hot weather, they get better.
Deadly nightshade, or belladonna
is recommended for neuralgic discomfort and twitching feelings in the body. It may relieve over-sensitization of the abdomen, sharp pain from one side of the hip bone to the other, pain while coughing, heavy periods, labor-like sensations, sacral pain, and a feeling of something pushing down on internal organs. After midday, symptoms are worse, but while seated in a semi-erect posture, they get better.
The cotton plant, Gossypium
is recommended for tall people with hemoglobin deficiencies. It can help with irregular periods, light and watery menstrual discharge, pelvic heaviness and back pain, nausea during menstruation, and stomach weakness
Toadstool-derived Agaricus muscarius
used to treat pelvic pain that is accompanied by tingling, coldness, and numbness. It may ease severe pain that feels heavy, stomach problems , heavy menstrual flow, back pain, and hip stiffness.
Monkshood, or Aconitum napellus
is advised for a tingling and cold feeling in the body. In addition to managing symptoms like scorching naval sensation, heavy and delayed menstruation, ovarian pain, thigh bone weakening, tingling in the back, and cracking joints, it may help lessen the severity of peritonitis. In dry and chilly breezes, symptoms get worse
The inky juice of cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis
is useful for people who feel cold in a warm atmosphere. It may help with chills and back discomfort, irregular and intense period pains, delayed periods with little blood, and rectum region pain. Warmth and activity make symptoms better.
Phosphate of magnesia, also known as magnesium phosphoricum,
is recommended for people who frequently become exhausted and lethargic from mental strain. It may relieve radiating pain and cramps, bloating, early and unpleasant periods, stomach gas with burp, and constricting and squeezing pelvic pain. In response to pressure and warmth applied to the affected area, symptoms improve over the night.
Sepia Succus:
usefor intense lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort, a feeling of being weighted down, burning or gripping in the uterus, and foul vaginal discharge that is yellow or green.
Merc Sol:
burning in the vagina; purulent, yellow, or green discharges that get worse when you urinate; and excessive, caustic, excoriating, and itchy vaginal discharge. ovarian pain.
Phosphorus:
heavy bleeding during periods, weakness after menstruation, pain in the left ovary during menses, leucorrhea (white or watery mucus), and weak abdominal sensation.
Sabina Officinalis:
brilliant red blood with dark clots, foul odor, heavy periods with gushing bleeding, discomfort in the sacrum back that extends to the pubis, and inflammation of the uterus and ovaries.
Traditional Chinese Herbs For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Several herbs with possible health advantages are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Dianelica sinensis, or Dong Quai:
Conventional Use: Managing women’s reproductive health issues and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Skullcap from China (Scutellaria baicalensis):
Customary Use: Owing to its anti-inflammatory qualities, it is taken into consideration for inflammatory conditions.
(Bupleurum chinense) Bupleurum:
Conventional Use: In TCM formulations, it is used to support liver function, which is essential for general health, and balance out imbalances.
The Trifolium pratense, or red clover:
Used in TCM to treat hormonal imbalance and gynecological disorders.
Astragalus (membranaceus astragalus):
Known to strengthen the immune system and aid the body’s defense processes.
Griffotrichium (Ligusticum wallichii):
Menstrual abnormalities and blood circulation are addressed by the use of this herb in TCM.
Cocos poria (Poria):
Occasionally used in TCM formulations for moist situations due to its diuretic qualities.
Yanhusuo Corydalis (Corydalis yanhusuo):
Traditional Use: Applied to conditions involving discomfort, it promotes blood circulation and relieves pain.
Hong Teng, Bai Jiang Cao, and Lu Lu Tong:
Customary Usage: These herbs are noteworthy for their possible advantages in PID, specifically about leukorrhea.
Phellodendri Cortex (Huang Bai):
Usage in the Past: Known to lower inflammation by lowering important mediator concentrations.
Herb of wild hop (Humulus japonicus):
Conventional Use: It lowers inflammation by lowering the concentrations of important mediators, much like Cortex Phellodendri.
Radix Paeoniae Rubra, or red peony root:
Conventional Use: Lowers production of arachidonic acid, a mediator of the inflammatory response, which in turn reduces inflammation.
Ayurveda Herbs For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Cyperus rotundus, or Musta:
Properties: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Fights infections and helps to lessen inflammation in the pelvic area.
Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera:
Properties: immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Promotes immunological response, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
Azadirachta indica, or neem:
Properties: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
Benefits: Prevents infections, lowers inflammation, and promotes pelvic health in general.
Tinospora cordifolia, or guduchi:
Properties: anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory.
Benefits: Promotes healing, lowers inflammation, and fortifies the immune system.
Aloe barbadensis, kumari:
Properties: immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Promotes immunological response, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.
Vati Chandraprabha:
Ingredients: A variety, such as Musta, Haridra, Guggulu, and others.
Benefits: Used to treat a variety of gynecological disorders, including PID, it is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities.
Churna Pushyanuga:
Ingredients: Shatavari, Dhataki, Ashoka, and others.
Benefits: This powdered herb is traditionally used in Ayurveda to treat problems like PID related to female reproductive health.
Lodhrasava:
Ingredients: Guduchi, Dhataki, Lodhra, and more ones.
Benefits: This Ayurvedic liquid formulation has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is used to treat gynecological issues.
Kashayam Punarnavadi:
Ingredients include Musta, Gokshura, Punarnava, and others.
Benefits: Has anti-inflammatory qualities and supports reproductive and urinary health.
Saracia indica, or Ashoka:
Properties: analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Reduces PID-related discomfort and inflammation, strengthens the health of reproductive organs, acts as a uterine tonic, and aids in menstrual cycle regulation.
Shatavari:
Characteristics: Organic immunomodulator.
Benefits: Promotes general health in PID patients by fortifying the immune system and assisting in the defense against infections.
Guggulu:
Properties: immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Boosts the immune system and lessens PID-related pain and inflammation.
Berberis aristata, or Daruharidra:
Properties: antipyretic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory.
Benefits: Lowers fever, discomfort, and inflammation in PID; manages infections.
Woodfordia floribunda, or Dhataki:
Astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities.
Benefits: As a uterine tonic for PID, it lowers inflammation and fights infection.
Triphala
Properties: anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and laxative.
Benefits: Promotes healthy digestion, aids in body detoxification, and has anti-inflammatory qualities that are helpful for PID.
The Mesua Ferrea, or Nagakesar:
Astringent qualities are present.
Benefits: Promotes gynecological health and lessens muscle cramps, vaginal discharge, and infections in PID.
Home Remedies For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
While using home remedies can help manage Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. The following natural cures could aid in reducing discomfort:
1. Warm Compress: – Using a warm compress on the lower abdomen will help lessen inflammation and pain in the pelvis.
2. Turmeric: – This herb possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. Taking pills containing turmeric or using it in your diet may help reduce inflammation.
3. Garlic:- The antibacterial qualities of garlic are well-known. Garlic can help fight infections, so include it in your diet.
4. Probiotics: – Probiotics, which can be obtained as supplements or in yogurt, can help maintain a balanced population of bacteria in the reproductive system, which may help prevent infections.
5. Healthy Diet: – Consuming a well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help to strengthen the immune system and promote general health.
6. Remain Hydrated:- Drinking lots of water promotes general health and aids in the removal of toxins from the body.
7. Avoid Irritants: – Avoid irritating the genital area by not using harsh soaps, douches, or perfumed products.
8. Pelvic Rest: – Providing enough rest for the pelvic area by abstaining from sexual activity while undergoing therapy may help promote healing.
9. Herbal Teas:- Herbal teas with anti-inflammatory or calming effects, such chamomile or ginger, may be soothing.
10. Epsom Salt Bath: – Bathing in a warm Epsom salt solution can help reduce discomfort and soreness in the pelvis.
11. Vitamin C: – Vitamin C is well-known for strengthening the immune system. Citrus fruit consumption and supplementation may strengthen the body’s defenses.
12. Adequate Rest: – Making sure you get enough sleep enables your body to concentrate on recuperating.
This information has been gathered from reliable academic journals and trustworthy medical sources. It is important to that these recommendations do not serve as a substitute for expert medical advice, diagnosis, or care. For a precise diagnosis and the best course of action, always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider. The alternative therapies listed are intended to provide further information and should be viewed as an addition to, not a replacement for, conventional medical care. Since every patient’s health situation is unique, receiving personalized and efficient care requires the advice of a healthcare professional.