Pelvic inflammatory disease is a type of infection which is affecting the female reproductive organs. It is happening when the sexually transmitted bacteria enter the vagina and it spreads to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. There are several bacteria which can cause this condition, but the most common are ones that also cause STI (sexually transmitted infections) like Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Also, there are some surgical procedures such as abortion or insertion of an IUD (intrauterine device) which could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. There are some factors that can increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease such as a previous history of STD (sexually transmitted disease), regular douching, unprotected intercourse, being in a relationship with a person who has multiple sexual partners and having more than one sexual partner. There are many women who develop pelvic inflammatory disease and they do not experience any symptoms or signs. But there are some women who can have general exhaustion, loss of appetite, fever, pain during intercourse or while urinating, irregular menstrual bleeding, vaginal discharge with odor, pelvic pain, back pain, and lower abdominal pain. This condition could lead to fallopian tubes and if you do not treat it in time, then it can cause infertility. You must talk with your doctor before you start taking some of the below-mentioned home remedies because we do not guarantee they will work for you without any side effects. He or she will tell you the proper diagnosis and treatment for you.
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11 Home remedies for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Probiotic yogurt
This type of yogurt has live cultures (good bacteria) and this is making it one of the best home remedies to fight the bacterial infection. The good bacteria in this yogurt will fight the bad bacteria and it will restore the good bacteria in your vagina [1]. Also, it can help to maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance. You should apply ½ cup of probiotic yogurt to your vagina and vulva. You should wait a few hours and then rinse it off using cool water. You should use this home remedy once per day for a period of a few weeks. Also, you should eat two to three bowls of plain yogurt every day.
Sitz bath
A contrast sitz bath is one of the best home remedies which can help to reduce the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. The hot bath will help to relax the pelvic muscles and the cold bath will help to alleviate the pain. You should fill 2 large bathtubs. One filled with warm water and the other one filled with cold water. You should add a few drops of lavender essential oil to each and stir well. First, you should sit in the tub with hot water up to your waist for three minutes. Next, you should sit in the tub of cold water up to your waist for one minute. You should repeat this natural treatment a few times per day and end the session using cold water. You should enjoy the sitz bath a few times each week. [2]
Pelvic massage
Lower abdomen and pelvic massage can help to tighten the muscles and it can increase the blood flow to the reproductive organs. This in turn will speed up the healing, provide relaxation and ease the pain. You should mix a few drops of lavender essential oil in a carrier oil such as olive oil. You should lie on the bed and stretch out your body. You need to apply this natural cure to the lower abdomen. You should gently massage the pelvic area and lower abdomen in circular motions for five to ten minutes. You should massage one or two times per day until the symptoms subside.
Baking soda
This is one of the most effective home remedies for pelvic inflammatory disease. We know that it has an alkaline compound that can help to reduce acidity and alkalize the colon and other organs. This can help to eliminate infection-causing bacteria. Also, it can help to balance the pH levels of your body. In one glass of water, you should add ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Stir in one teaspoon of psyllium fiber. You should drink it on an empty stomach once per day for a period of a few weeks.
Turmeric
This home remedy has an active ingredient known as curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help you to fight the infection as well as relieve the symptoms. Turmeric is also good for our immune system. You should boil one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one glass of milk. You should drink it once per day until the symptoms subside. Also, you can take turmeric supplements, 500 mg three times per day. You need to talk with your doctor before you take supplements. [3]
Garlic
This is a very effective home remedy for treating pelvic inflammatory disease because it has strong antibiotic and antibacterial properties. There are several compounds in garlic which can help to destroy harmful bacteria. Also, it can help to regulate the good vaginal bacteria and it will prevent a recurrence of the infection. You should fry two or three minced garlic cloves in two tablespoons of olive oil until the garlic turns brown. You should strain this oil and allow it to cool. You should soak a clean cotton ball in this oil and then insert it into your vagina. You should remove the cotton ball and leave the oil in the vagina for a couple of hours before you rinse it off. You should do this natural treatment until the infection clears. Also, you can increase your garlic intake by adding it to your meals or taking garlic supplements after you have talked with your doctor. [4]
Echinacea
This is also a very effective home remedy for pelvic inflammatory disease. It has immune–stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties which can promote fast recovery, ease symptoms, and help fight infection. You should drink one to two cups of Echinacea tea per day for a period of one week. You should take a break for a week and then continue again. Also, you can take Echinacea supplements. You should talk with your doctor before you take this supplement for proper dosage and duration. People who have autoimmune disorders should not use it.
Tea tree oil
You can use tea tree oil as your natural treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease because it has strong antimicrobial properties. It can fight the infection-causing bacteria and even it can reduce the vaginal odor that is one of the most common symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. You should mix two or three drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl filled with warm water. You should use it to rinse your vagina. You should follow this home remedy once per day for a period of a month. You should not take this essential orally. [5]
Eat food rich in Beta – carotene
You should include foods that are rich in beta–carotene because it can help to fight disease and promote healing. This element will help to heal the damaged mucous membranes of the reproductive tract. Also, it can play a key role in strengthening the cervical cells which can help to prevent infections. Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mangoes, spinach, and carrots are some foods that are rich in beta–carotene. Also, you should eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C because they will boost your immune system and it will prevent infections.
Castor oil
This is a very effective home remedy which can help to ease the pain that is caused by pelvic inflammatory disease. Also, it has ricinoleic acid which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that will reduce the pain. You should fold a large, flannel cloth into layers. Pour two to three tablespoons of castor oil on it. You should warm the cloth to a comfortable temperature in a microwave. Â You need to lie down on an old towel and then put the warm flannel cloth on your lower abdomen. Cover the cloth with a plastic wrap and wait for twenty minutes. You should repeat this natural treatment once or twice per day for a period of a week. Also, you can use castor oil to massage the pelvic region to ease the pain. [6]
Diet rich in calcium and antioxidants
When you consume a healthy and nutritious diet, then it will help your body to recover from bacterial infections responsible for pelvic inflammatory disease. You should consume foods that are rich in calcium such as almonds, beans, broccoli, kale, and spinach. Also, you should include antioxidant-rich foods such as bell pepper, squash, tomatoes, cherries, and blueberries which can aid in the recovery process by virtue of their anti-inflammatory properties.
References:
[1] Bodean O, Munteanu O, Cirstoui C, et al. Probiotics – a helpful additional therapy for bacterial vaginosis. Journal of Medicine and Life. 2013;6(4):434-436.
[2] Abid M, Jyoti, Kumar K, et al. Assessment of Leucorrhea diseases in female students. Journal of Scientific and Innovative Research. 2016;5(4):116-118.
[3] Di Savoia MC. Understanding turmeric anti-inflammatory effects and its clinical use. Thesis. 2014.
[4] Mao P, Liu S, Xue J, et al. Clinical research on the comprehensive curative effect of acupuncture and traditional chinese medicine for pelvic inflammatory sequelae. Medical Science Monitor: International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research. 2018;24:2928-2936.
[5] Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2006;19(1):50-62.
[6] Chauhan NH, Sharma A. Comparative study to assess the effectiveness of the hot application and castor oil application in clients with joint pain. International Journal of Advanced Research. 2018;6(4).
