A Review Article: An Ayurvedic Approach on Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) W.S.R Paripluta Yonivyapda

Abstract

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a spectrum of infection and inflammation of upper female genital tract organs. It has polymicrobial etiology. Primary organisms are sexually transmitted whereas secondary organisms are normally present in the vagina. PID is a major problem to reproductive health of young women. In 85 per cent of the cases it is due to spontaneous exposure in sexually active women whereas in 15 per cent it is followed by gynecological procedures. Patient may present with varying degrees of symptoms. Clinical features include lower abdominal and pelvic pain, dyspareunia, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, unusual local discharges, etc. Its immediate complications can be peritonitis and septicemia and may eventually lead to dyspareunia, pelvic adhesions, perihepatitis, chronic pelvic pain, ill-health, infertility and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Diagnosis is mostly based on clinical assessment and empiric antibiotic therapy is suggested for its management. Public education; screening, tracing and treating the partner/partners and follow-up, re-assessment and good counseling are essential steps of treatment. Ayurveda classical and text books, textbooks on modern gynaecology, online websites and published research papers were studied to understand PID in context of Ayurveda, to explore various treatment modalities of both domains and to know the Kriyakala (stage of the disease) in which Ayurveda can have impactful interventions. Ayurveda treatment modalities can be incorporated with modern medical practices for gratifying result in multitude of manifestations of the disease. Substantial studies are yet in need to yoke together the knowledge of Ayurveda and modern science to develop rewarding integrated approach.