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.
Chinese Formulas
Ayurvedic Formulas
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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

• Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 126, 142, 195, 204, 221, 304, 340, 341.
• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., pgs., 18, 26, 38, 50, 78, 122, 132, 166, 196, 234, 254, 268, 304, 312.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pgs., 283-285.
• The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 166-169.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 135, 144.
• Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 241, 348-350.

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