Contents:
Definition | Causes | Symptoms | Treatment | Nutrients
Herbs | Recommendations | Bibliography
Definition
Ascending infection from the vagina or cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and broad ligaments in the lower abdomen.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Nutrients
Acidophilus, 3 capsules or
Garlic capsules,
Zinc,
Kelp,
Germanium,
Multivitamin and mineral complex, as directed on the label, promotes immune function.
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Herbs
- 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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Bibliography
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993
Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973
Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994