Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

(PID)
(See also Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

Definition

Ascending infection from the vagina or cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and broad ligaments in the lower abdomen.
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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 1 tbsp. liquid 3 times a day, is important when taking antibiotics. Garlic capsules, 2 capsules 3 times daily, is a natural antibiotic and immune system stimulant. Should be accompanied by Doctor's advice. Vitamin C, 3,000 - 10,000 mg. daily (divide into 4 doses per day), helps immune function and is an antiviral agent. Zinc, 100 mg. daily, helps healing and the immune function. Kelp, 6 tablets per day, supplies balanced vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B complex, 50 mg. daily, is necessary in all cellular enzyme system function. Germanium, 100 mg daily, speeds healing and reduces pain or discomfort. Multivitamin and mineral complex, as directed on the label, promotes immune function. Vitamin K, 100 mcg. daily in tablet form, is necessary for blood clotting. Alfalfa is a good source.
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Herbs

Echinacea
Golden seal
Pau d'arco
Suma

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

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, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973