Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a significant health concern affecting the reproductive organs of women, notably the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It's typically caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that have ascended from the vagina or cervix to the upper genital tract. Characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms, PID can lead to serious long-term effects like infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain if not properly addressed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States alone, more than 1 million women suffer from acute PID episodes yearly, underlining its prevalence and the need for awareness and effective management strategies.
The principal cause of PID is the spread of bacteria from the vagina and cervix to the upper reproductive organs. While several types of bacteria can cause PID, it is most commonly linked to the bacteria causing chlamydia and gonorrhea, two highly prevalent STIs. Other factors that elevate the risk of developing PID include having multiple sexual partners, a history of PID, douching which can disrupt the natural flora of the vagina, and using intrauterine devices (IUDs), though the increased risk is primarily within the first three weeks post-insertion.
- Lower abdominal pain - Fever - Unusual discharge from the vagina with a bad odor - Pain and/or bleeding during intercourse - Burning sensation during urination - Bleeding between periods
Diagnosis of PID involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and sometimes, laboratory tests. Key to the diagnostic process is a pelvic exam, which allows healthcare providers to determine areas of tenderness or abnormal discharge that might indicate infection. Cultures or swabs from the cervix can be tested for STIs. In some cases, ultrasound or other imaging tests might be utilized to view the reproductive organs and check for signs of inflammation or damage.
Prevention of PID primarily revolves around safeguarding against STIs through the use of condoms, routine STI testing, and engaging in safe sexual practices. It’s also advisable for women to undergo regular pelvic exams to catch any potential issues early. When it comes to treatment, the approach in functional medicine leans heavily on addressing not just the symptoms, but the root cause of the condition—typically infection. Antibiotics are the first line of treatment to clear the infection. However, to compliment this, numerous natural strategies can also be employed: - Probiotics: Balancing the vaginal microbiome with probiotics can help restore the natural defenses against infection. - Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, like goldenseal and echinacea, have antimicrobial properties that might support the body’s fight against infection. - Nutritional adjustments: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while low in processed foods, can bolster the immune system. - Stress management: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can be effective. It's imperative to consult with a healthcare provider to tailor the best treatment strategy for you, particularly in integrating natural remedies with conventional treatments to ensure safety and effectiveness.