Medic for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Note: Do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Use home remedies only as an adjunct treatment.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a type of infection that affects the female reproductive organs. It occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria enter the vagina and spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries.

Several bacteria can cause it, but the most common are the ones that also cause sexually transmitted infections gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Some surgical procedures, such as abortion or insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD), also can lead to PID.

Several factors increase your risk of PID. Some common factors are having more than one sexual partner, being in a relationship with a person who has multiple sexual partners, unprotected intercourse, regular douching and previous history of a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Many women who develop PID experience no signs or symptoms. However, some have lower abdominal or back pain, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge with odor, irregular menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse or while urinating, fever, loss of appetite and general exhaustion.

PID can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes and, if not treated in time, it can cause infertility.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for pelvic inflammatory disease.

1. Garlic

Garlic is very effective for treating PID due to its strong antibacterial and antibiotic properties. Several compounds in garlic help destroy the harmful bacteria. It also helps regulate the good vaginal bacteria and prevent a recurrence of the infection.

• Fry 2 or 3 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the garlic turns brown. Strain the oil and allow it to cool. Soak a clean cotton ball in this oil and insert it in the vagina. Remove the cotton ball and leave the oil in the vagina for a couple of hours before rinsing it off. Do this daily until the infection clears.
• Also, increase your garlic intake by adding it to your meals or taking a garlic supplement after consulting a doctor.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin with powerful antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight the infection as well as relieve symptoms. In addition, turmeric is good for your immune system.

• Boil 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk. Drink it once daily until the symptoms subside.
• Take turmeric supplements, 500 mg 3 times per day. However, consult your doctor before taking a supplement.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective treatment for PID. This alkaline compound helps reduce acidity and alkalize the colon and other organs. This in turn helps eliminate infection-causing bacteria. In addition, it helps balance the body’s pH level.

1. Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of psyllium fiber.
3. Drink it on an empty stomach once daily for a few weeks.

4. Pelvic Massage

Pelvic and lower abdominal massage helps tighten the muscles and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. This in turn eases the pain, provides relaxation and speeds up healing.

1. Mix a few drops of lavender essential oil in a carrier oil like olive oil.
2. Lie on the bed and stretch out your body.
3. Apply this oil on your lower abdomen.
4. Gently massage the pelvic area and lower abdomen in circular motions for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Massage 1 or 2 times daily until the symptoms subside.

5. Sitz Bath

A contrast sitz bath is an effective remedy to reduce the symptoms of PID. While the hot bath will help relax the pelvic muscles, the cold bath will help alleviate pain.

1. Fill two large bathtubs– one with warm water and the other with cold water.
2. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to each and stir well.
3. First, sit in the tub with hot water up to your waist for 3 minutes.
4. Go, sit in the tub of cold water up to your waist for 1 minute.
5. Repeat a few times and end the session with cold water.
6. Enjoy a sitz bath a few times each week.

6. Probiotic Yogurt

Probiotic yogurt that contains live cultures (good bacteria) is a great remedy to fight this bacterial infection. The good bacteria in this yogurt will help fight the bad bacteria and restore good bacteria in your vagina. It also helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance.

• Apply ½ cup of probiotic yogurt to your vulva and vagina. Wait a few hours, then rinse it off with cool water. Use this remedy once daily for a few weeks.
• Eat 2 to 3 bowls of plain, plain yogurt every day.