Home Remedies 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. Next, 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.

7. Tea Tree Oil

You can also use tea tree oil to treat PID, as it has strong antimicrobial properties. It helps fight the infection-causing bacteria and even reduces vaginal odor, one of the common symptoms of PID.

1. Mix 2 or 3 drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl filled with warm water.
2. Use it to rinse your vagina.
3. Follow this remedy once daily for a month.

Note: Do not take this essential oil orally.

8. Echinacea

Echinacea is another effective remedy for PID. This herb contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulant properties that help fight infection, ease symptoms and promote fast recovery.

• Drink 1 to 2 cups of echinacea tea daily for a week. Take a break for a week, then continue again.
• You can also take echinacea supplements. Consult your doctor before taking this supplement for proper dosage and duration.

Note: People who have autoimmune disorders must not use this herb.

9. Castor Oil

Castor oil is an effective remedy to ease the pain caused by PID. It contains ricinoleic acid, which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain.

1. Fold a large, flannel cloth into layers.
2. Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of castor oil on it.
3. Warm the cloth to a comfortable temperature in a microwave.
4. Lie down on an old towel and put the warm flannel cloth on your lower abdomen.
5. Cover the cloth with a plastic wrap and wait 20 minutes.
6. Repeat this remedy once or twice daily for a week.

You can even use castor oil to massage the pelvic region to ease pain.

10. Eat Food Rich in Beta-carotene

To fight this disease and promote quick healing, include foods rich in beta-carotene in your diet. Beta-carotene helps heal the damaged mucous membranes of the reproductive tract. It also plays a key role in strengthening the cervical cells, which helps prevent infections.

Some of the foods high in beta-carotene are carrots, mangoes, sweet potatoes, spinach and pumpkin.

Also, eat foods that are rich in vitamin C to boost your immune system and prevent infections.

Additional Tips

• If you are at a risk of having an STD, consult your doctor for diagnosis and proper treatment. Early treatment can help prevent pelvic inflammatory disease.
• When suffering from PID, ask your partner to get tested for any infections and get it treated, if needed.
• If taking antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, make sure to complete the course.
• While suffering from PID, avoid having sex.
• Do not use vaginal douching as it upsets the balance of good bacteria in your vagina.
• Bathe regularly, and wipe from front to back every time you use the bathroom. This will help prevent bacteria from the rectum from gaining access to the vagina.
• If you smoke, quit as it is associated with an increased risk of having Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
• Practice safe sex and avoid multiple partners.
• Avoid unprotected intercourse, especially during the menstrual period.
• Talk to your doctor about contraception as some forms may increase your risk of developing PID.
• Avoid iron supplements, unless prescribed by a doctor, as bacteria feed on iron.
• Avoid sugary foods and beverages for quick recovery.
• Take cranberry juice or supplements.
• Try acupuncture to ease the pain and other discomforts.

Resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/std/pid/stdfact-pid.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1695871/