How to Recognise and Treat Pelvic Inflammatory Disease | Healthylife

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How to recognise and treat pelvic inflammatory disease

Healthylife Pharmacy16 January 2018|4 min read

What is pelvic inflammatory disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs when there is inflammation in one or more of the organs in the pelvic area of people with a uterus. Areas that may be affected include the cervix, lining of the uterus (endometrium), fallopian tubes or ovaries. 

Common causes are sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia. If left untreated PID may lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes and infertility.

Signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease

Some women may have no symptoms at all, especially if PID is caused by chlamydia. However, severe symptoms can develop quickly and include:

  • Lower abdomen or back pain
  • Menstrual disturbances such as irregular periods or increased menstrual pain
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Pain during sex or urination
  • Fever, chills, nausea and vomiting

Complications include recurrent infection, chronic abdominal pain, ectopic pregnancies and infertility.

Causes of pelvic inflammatory disease

The most common pathogens involved in the development of PID include gonorrhoea—which accounts for half of all cases, and chlamydia—an organism responsible for a quarter of cases. Other potential causes include infecting organisms in the reproductive tract or bowel, burst appendix or surgical procedures such as insertion of an intrauterine device or abortion. The infection usually begins in the cervix, followed by the endometrium and fallopian tubes.

PID can be diagnosed by your healthcare professional by taking a vaginal and cervical swab. It may also require a pelvic examination and other tests.

Protecting yourself from PID

The most effective way to protect yourself against PID is to use condoms during sex. It is recommended that you have regular checks for sexually transmitted infections if you are sexually active.

Pelvic inflammatory disease treatments

Medical treatment usually involves taking a combination of antibiotics. Testing male partners and treating them is considered an important aspect to address. While undergoing treatment it is usually advised that genital sexual contact is avoided until a negative test result is achieved. In severe cases hospitalisation and surgery is required.

Probiotics

Levels of beneficial bacteria colonise all areas of the body including the female reproductive system. It is believed that healthy levels of Lactobacillus spp. help protect the area from opportunistic pathogens such as Candida spp., and other viruses, bacteria and parasites. 

Although no studies have been done specifically on probiotic supplementation and pelvic inflammatory disease, probiotics have been found to be beneficial in other reproductive disorders including urogenital infections and bacterial vaginosis. 

Keeping in mind that common medical treatment includes antibiotics, supplementation with probiotics may help to replace good bacteria that may be wiped out during the process.

Introducing fermented foods into the diets, such as kefir, natural yoghurt and sauerkraut, are other ways to optimise levels of beneficial microbes.

Zinc

Zinc is a key mineral to support the immune system if an infection is present. 

The Deficiency of zinc is associated with an increased risk of infection. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, or its precursor, beta-carotene are important nutrients to consider in PID. They are crucial for a healthy immune system to fight off infection, reduce oxidative damage and repair tissue damage. Maintaining the health of mucous membranes, such as those found in the female reproductive tract, is an important regulatory function of vitamin A.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C may help to enhance the immune system in cases of PID. This important vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant—helping to decrease tissue destruction and promote repair.

Garlic

Given the infectious nature of PID, garlic may be helpful as a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic. Although no current studies have assessed its use in PID, garlic has displayed antimicrobial activity against a wide range of other infectious organisms, including staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus viridans and candida albicans.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a native American herb with immune-stimulant properties. It contains an alkaloid called berberine, which has been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms, including Chlamydia. In herbal medicine, goldenseal is classified as a mucous membrane tonic which may help to restore health to the mucus-producing cells that line the female reproductive tract.

Calendula

Also known as marigold, calendula may aid in reducing inflammation, repairing tissue damage and providing anti-microbial support. It may help to restore healthy immune function and to repair reproductive tissue.

Other herbs that may be helpful include:

  • Turmeric to help reduce pain and inflammation
  • Corydalis to support pain relief
  • Echinacea to help with fighting infection and supporting the immune system
  • Thyme and oregano to help fight infection

Nutritional medicine

Following the principles of an anti-inflammatory diet may be helpful in providing the body with the nutrients it needs to reduce inflammation, fight infection and promote tissue repair. Here are some simple changes you can make to improve the quality of your diet.

  • Avoid refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, packaged food etc) and added sugar
  • Drink 8 glasses of water daily
  • Eat healthy protein sources from beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat and fish
  • Eat large serves of vegetables with every meal
  • Aim for 2 pieces of fresh fruit daily
  • Eat foods rich in essential fatty acids such as fresh fish, seafood, flaxseeds, walnuts and chia seeds

PID is usually caused by STIs which may lead to inflammation and infection in the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It requires prompt medical treatment to avoid possible complications such as scarring and infertility. Natural therapies may assist in resolving symptoms such as pain and those associated with infection. 

Talk to your healthcare professional for individualised advice.

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References

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