Introduction:

PID is usually caused by an ascending infection in which disease producing germs spread from the vagina and cervix to the upper to the upper portions of the female reproductive tract. The infection causes inflammation. Although the inflammation of the pelvic area is caused by an infection precursors can be an imbalance from a range of disorders like endometriosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, appendicitis, extra uterine pregnancy, I.U.D's, fallopian tube twisting, abortion, gynaecological procedures or even tampons. During the infection congestion occurs causing water retention and sepsis. It can become chronic leading to bleeding, abscesses and constant pain.

Look at the general routine for endometriosis for extra information on diet and lifestyle.

Natural Healing

Bowel and liver cleanses can be helpful.

It is vital to decongest the area, so exercise and hot and cold showers will be vital.

Nutrition

Light foods during overtly painful episodes will be helpful. e.g. super food and soups. Eat nutritious wholesome foods in general. Immune foods that fight infection will help e.g. garlic and turmeric, oregano and thyme.

Make sure the kidneys are well flushed - drink fresh lemon water (this also cleans the bloodstream).

Herb Quality:

A large proportion of our herbs are grown in English soils, harvested using bio-chemistry analysis and many but not always, processed fresh, which heightens their remedial properties. The majority are grown organically and or sustainably wild-crafted. All manufacturing is carried out using licensed good manufacturing practice.

DO NOT MIX HERBAL MEDICINE AND GP PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WITHOUT THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR GP OR PRACTIONER

Text courtesy of D.O.H

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is caused by infections, which enter the body through the cervix and work their way up into the pelvic cavity. It can range from a mild infection to a serious disorder. The bacteria which cause the sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, are thought to be chiefly responsible for PID, although other bacteria may play a part.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of PID can vary in different women and this makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose it. It can be an acute (sudden and severe) or a chronic (long-term) infection.

The most common symptom of acute PID is:

Other symptoms may include:

Sometimes PID can be almost or entirely symptomless

How PID Develops

The infections which cause PID may get into the pelvic cavity when:

If PID is not identified and treated it may scar the fallopian tubes – the tubes along which an egg passes to get to the womb. This can cause infertility. It will also increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilised egg begins to grown in the fallopian tube or outside it, rather than in the womb). Once the tubes are scarred, reinfection will cause more damage, even after the original infection has been treated.

Where to go for help

If you have severe pain you should see your GP as soon as possible or go to the casualty department of your local hospital.

If you start to experience any persistent pelvic pain or discomfort (other than your usual period symptoms) you should either go to:

Or check the web site (www.playingsafely. co.uk) for a directory of GUME clinics in the UK. You will get free, confidential advice and treatment. You can go to any clinic anywhere in the country – you don’t have to go to a local one – and you don’t’ have to go to a local one – and you don’t’ have to be referred by your GP. (Non-NHS sexual health clinics may not always offer the full range of services, which are available at NHS sexual health clinics.)

Diagnosis

Treatment at G.P. or Hospital

PID is treated with antibiotics, bed rest and pain-killers. For most women a course of tablets taken for at least 2 weeks is sufficient. In severe cases a stay in hospital may be necessary so that antibiotics can be given intravenously.

If you are allergic to any antibiotics, or if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, it is important that you tell your doctor.

It is important that you finish any course of treatment. If treatment is interrupted, it may be necessary to start again from the beginning.

Follow-up

You will be advised to avoid vigorous activities, including sex, until any inflammation has gone.

It is important that your partner has a check-up at a sexual health clinic before you start having sex again.

Remember, after treatment, using condoms during sex can reduce your risk of getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections.

This fact-sheet is one of a series which give information on the following range of infections and diseases: bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia, cystitis, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhoea, hepatitis (A, B and C) non-specific urethritis, penile cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), prostate cancer, public lice, scabies, syphilis, testicular cancer, thrush and trichomonas vaginalis.

Free copies of any of these fact-sheets are available from GP surgeries, NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics or your local health promotion unit (in the phone book under your Local Health Authority).