For a proper diagnosis of the disease, you need to consult your doctor. Only then will you be able to treat the condition properly. As an adjunct treatment, however, you can use these home remedies for pelvic inflammatory disease.
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The PID or Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that develops in the female reproductive organs, when a bacteria which is sexually transmitted, enters the v*g!na, and slowly spreads to other parts of the reproductive system like the uterus, the fallopian tubes, and/or the ovaries.
The bacteria that normally causes this condition is gonorrhea and chlamydia. Nonetheless, there are several other bacteria which can also cause this infection. PID can also be caused by the insertion of an IUD or intrauterine device. According to experts, certain surgical methods, like abortion, can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
There are a number of risk factors associated with PID, the most common being, having more than one sexual partner. The other factors include, being in a sexual relationship with a partner who has more than one sexual partners; unprotected intercourse; previous history of STDs or Sexually Transmitted Diseases; and, regular douching.
The signs and symptoms of PID include, pain in the lower abdominal are, feeling of discomfort in the lower abdominal area, back pain, genital discharge that has a peculiar odor, abnormal and irregular menstrual bleeding, pain and inflammation while urinating, pain during intercourse, loss of appetite, exhaustion and feeling of tiredness all the time, and fever.
However, there are many women who do not experience any signs or symptoms while going through pelvic inflammatory disease.
PID can cause infertility in some cases, while in others, it scars the fallopian tubes. Therefore, treating the condition quickly is imperative.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this is when you should see a doctor,
“See your doctor or seek urgent medical care if you experience:
- Severe pain low in your abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting, with an inability to keep anything down
- Fever, with a temperature higher than 101 F (38.3 C)
- Foul vaginal discharge
If your signs and symptoms persist but aren’t severe, see your doctor as soon as possible. Vaginal discharge with an odor, painful urination or bleeding between menstrual cycles can be associated with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If these signs and symptoms occur, stop having sex and see your doctor soon. Prompt treatment of an STI can help prevent PID.”
Suggested read: 17 Tried And Tested Home Remedies To Increase Fertility And Chances Of Pregnancy
Home remedies for pelvic inflammatory disease
Try these home remedies in addition to the treatment suggested by your doctor to cure pelvic inflammatory disease.
1. Echinacea
Another amazing treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease is Echinacea, an herb that is antimicrobial, immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory. All these properties of the herb will help you fight the infection.
It will also ease the symptoms of pain and inflammation associated with the infection, which in turn, will encourage quick recovery.
Prepare a cup of Echinacea tea and drink it twice a day for a week. You can also take supplements of Echinacea, but remember to consult a doctor for the correct dosage and duration.
If you have an autoimmune disease, then do not take this herb.
2. Tea Tree Oil
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To treat PID, try essential tea tree oil. What makes tea tree oil a good remedy for PID is that it has antimicrobial properties, which fight the infection and also reduce the genital odor.
For the remedy, you can mix two or three drops of the oil with some water and use the mix to wash your genitals. Remember to pat the area dry.
The remedy should be repeated once every day for at least a month.
3. Castor Oil
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Castor oil will help you deal with the pain associated with PID. The oil contains ricinoleic acid that works as an analgesic and treats the inflammation caused by your condition.
For the remedy, you need some flannel cloth. Fold it into layers, and then pour about three tablespoons of the castor oil on it. Heat the cloth, and once it is comfortably warm, place it on your lower abdomen and lie down.
You can cover the cloth with a plastic wrap to ensure it stays for at least 15 minutes.
Repeat the process two times every day until for about a week.
Alternatively, you can massage your pelvic area with castor oil too.
Suggested read: Get Rid Of Genital Odor With These Natural Remedies
4. Turmeric
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The curcumin in turmeric makes it as amazing antibacterial agent, which prevents bacteria from attacking you. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties which fight PID and treat the symptoms associated with it.
For the remedy, boil about a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk. You need to drink this mix once every day to treat the symptom.
You can also take turmeric supplements, but we suggest that you consult a doctor and find out what the right dosage is for you.
5. Baking Soda
The next remedy on our list is baking soda, an alkaline compound which lowers the acidity in our genitals, and helps maintain the acid-alkaline balance there. This in turn lowers the chances of you developing a bacterial infection.
Also baking soda offers comfort by alleviating the pain caused by the PID.
For the remedy, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a cup of water. Mix well. now add a teaspoon of psyllium fiber to this mix, and drink it on an empty stomach.
Repeat the remedy once every day for a week or two.
6. Sitz Bath
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A sitz bath can help you treat the symptoms associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. The hot bath will also help relax your pelvic muscles. If you a contrast sitz bath where you use both hot water and cold water, you will receive greater benefits from the treatment. While the warm water will relax your muscles, as we just mentioned, the cold water will alleviate the pain.
You need two bath tubs for this one. Fill one with warm water, and the other with cold water. Add drops of lavender essential oil to both the tub waters, and stir well. Now sit in the hot water tub first, and then in the cold tub. Sit in the hot tub for three minutes and in the cold water for just a minute. You need to repeat this several times, but remember to end your session with cold water.
7. Eat Food Rich in Beta-carotene
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The last remedy on our list involves eating food items that are rich in beta-carotene. Doing this will help you fight the condition and quickly heal the infection.
Beta carotene is known to cure mucous membranes of the female reproductive tract which get damaged by this infection. Also, this compound will prevent further infections by strengthening your cervical cells.
The foods that have a high content of beta carotene are mangoes, sweet potatoes, carts, spinach and pumpkin.
To strengthen your immune system to prevent further infection, eat foods that contain vitamin C.
Suggested read: Get Rid Of Your Genital Yeast Infection With These Amazing Home Remedies
Additional tips for pelvic inflammatory disease
- People who are at a risk of developing an STD (you have multiple sexual partners, or your partner has multiple sexual partners) have to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
- PID can be treated by diagnosing it early and starting the treatment as soon as possible.
- If you are suffering from PID, then you have to get your partner tested too, and treated if need be.
- In case your doctor prescribes antibiotics to you, then make sure that you complete the course.
- Avoid intercourse when diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease like PID.
- Avoid genital douching altogether since it disturbs the balance of helpful bacteria in your genitals making them susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases.
- You need to pay close attention to hygiene, and to that end, bathe regularly. After your showers, wipe yourself dry both back and front. Do not rub, only pat gently. Tis will prevent the bacteria from gaining access to your genital area.
- People who smoke need to quit that habit, as it increases one’s risk of developing PID.
- Practice safe sex
- Avoid multiple partners.
- Avoid unprotected intercourse, especially during the menstrual period.
- To comfort yourself, you can try acupuncture. However, make sure you get it done by an expert practitioner.
- Drink cranberry juice regularly. You can also try cranberry supplements; however, do consult a doctor for the correct dosage.
That is all we have on today’s post on home remedies for pelvic inflammatory disease. Was this helpful? Will you be recommending it to others too? If you have some remedies that you would like to share with us, then please do so in the comment section below.
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