WHAT IS PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the female reproductive organs ( ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus). The infection first occurs in the vagina and over time the infection drags upwards to infect other pelvic organs. The bacteria commonly causing the infection are the same bacteria causing sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhea, etc.

In the initial stages, the disease stays unnoticed but over time it causes complications with conception and menstrual pain.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)?

• History of STDs especially gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• Prior episodes of PID
• Having sex under the age of 25
• Unprotected sex
• Multiple sex partners
• Having sex with a person having multiple sexual partners
• Women who use an IUD for birth control
• HIV infection
• Douching is forceful washing of the vagina with water. It disturbs the pH of the vagina and thus the balance of good versus bad bacteria as well.

COMPLICATIONS  OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)?

The complications having in PID are:-

• Pelvic cyst: due to repeated infection there could be a collection of fluid in the fallopian tubes forming a cyst
• Ruptured pelvic cyst: the cyst formed due to infection might burst as well
• Shock and collapse: is also seen in many cases due to advanced infection
• Scarring of the fallopian tubes: is also seen due to repeated infection
• Increased risk in later pregnancies
• Adhesions: may also be seen due to infection with surrounding structures
• Female infertility: due to adhesions and scarring in the fallopian tubes
• Chronic pelvic pain: is seen especially during menses due to adhesions
• Recurrent PID infections
• Inflammation of the liver surface

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)?

• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pelvic pain
• Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
• Abnormal uterine bleeding especially during and after sexual intercourse and in between menstrual cycle
• Pain during intercourse
• Fever and chills
• Difficulty in urination
• Irregular and Painful menses
• Lower back pain

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)?

The infection can be caused by many bacterias but the most common cause of PID is gonorrhea and chlamydia bacterial infection. These bacteria are usually acquired during unprotected sex. Bacteria can enter your reproductive tract anytime when the normal barrier created by the cervix is disturbed. This can happen after childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.

DIAGNOSIS OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)

To diagnose PID the best method is

• Laparoscopic examination
• Ultrasound
• Blood test
• Urine test

These tests would show infection and imaging of the structures of the pelvis

TREATMENT OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)?

Treatment for PID is antibiotics along with treatment of the partner having the infection with the bacteria. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for some time till the infection is treated completely. But chances of recurrence are always there. So Homeopathic treatment is the best treatment for PID which gives a permanent cure for the infection.

MANAGEMENT OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)

• Use condoms and practice safe sex.
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Know about the sexual history and current life of your partner
• Opt for barrier method of contraception rather than pills or copper-t
• Don't do douching as it would harm the pH of the vagina
• Get yourself tested if you suspect the infection in your case.
• Maintain hygiene.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID)

There are medicines like aconite, apis, arsenic album, belladonna, lachesis, platina, conium, palladium etc that can treat PID. But medicine depends on the presentation of the case and should never be taken without consulting a registered homeopath. Homeopathy has a permanent cure for PID.

DO's AND DON'Ts

Do's

• Practicing safe sex
• Getting tested for STIs
• Adopting good hygiene habits
• Use condoms as methods for contraception rather than pills or intrauterine devices
• Know about your partner's sexual activities
• Get your partner tested.
• Wait for the appropriate age to begin your sexual life

Don'ts

• Don't practice douching
• Don't keep multiple sexual partners