Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and cervicitis are common but serious infections of the female reproductive tract. If left untreated, both can lead to complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for preserving reproductive health.
PID(Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)-
PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. It usually occurs when bacteria from the vagina or cervix travel upward. Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) are a major health issue in developed and developing countries. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, one in eight women with a history of PID, experience difficulties getting pregnant.
Causes:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – especially Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Poor menstrual hygiene
- Post-abortion or post-delivery infections
- Use of IUDs without proper hygiene
- Multiple sexual partners
Symptoms:
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Pain or tenderness in the stomach or lower abdomen
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Fatigue
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Nausea and vomiting
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Vaginal discharge with unpleasant odor
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Fever and chills
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Painful urination(dysuria)
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Pain during intercourse(dyspareunia)
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
Diagnosis:
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Pelvic examination
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Cervical culture
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Ultrasonography
- Blood and urine tests
Complications:
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Infertility
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Ectopic pregnancy
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Chronic pelvic pain
- Abscess Formation
Treatment in Modern Medicine:
- Antibiotic therapy (combination of drugs like doxycycline and ceftriaxone)
Cervicitis
Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix, caused by infections.
Causes of Cervicitis:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus.
- Bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections
- Allergic reactions (e.g., latex condoms, spermicides)
- Poor menstrual hygiene
Symptoms:
- Vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
- Pain during intercourse(dyspareunia)
- Burning during urination(dysuria)Pelvic pain and discomfort
Diagnosis:
- Pelvic exam
- Pap smear
- Cervical culture
Treatment in Modern Medicine:
- Antibiotic therapy (combination of drugs like doxycycline and ceftriaxone)
Ayurveda View on PID, Cervicitis-
In Ayurveda 20 yoni vyapad are described by the acharyas. Among them Paripluta ana Uppluta are correlated with PID ana Cervicitis.
"परिप्लुता भवेत् स्त्रीणां मैथुने वेदना भवेत्।
कूजितं स्थूलमानत्वं योनौ रक्तं स्रवत्यपि॥"Asṭnga Hrdaya, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 38,
In women suffering from Paripluta Yoni Vyapad there is pain during sexual intercourse ,gurgling or abnormal sound is heard from the vagina,sensation of heaviness or enlargement, along with blood-stained vaginal discharge.
Predominantly Vata and Pitta dosha vitiation
Vata causes pain, abnormal sound and dryness
Pitta causes inflammation, burning, and bleeding
"कफेनोपप्लुतं योनिं गुरु स्निग्धं स्रवत्यपि।
पाण्डु पिच्छिलं बहु च शीतं चैव स्रवत्यपि॥"Astanga Hrdaya, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 38
In Uppluta Yoni Vyapad the yoni (female reproductive organ) is afflicted by Kapha dosha, feels heavy Associated with vaginal discharge ,the discharge is whitish (pandu), slimy (picchila), and profuse (bahu).
Nidana (Causes):
Mithya ahara-vihara (improper diet and lifestyle)
Shukra dushti (vitiation of reproductive tissues)
Krimi (microbial infections)
Lakshana (Symptoms):
Yoni srava (abnormal vaginal discharge)
Daha (burning sensation)
Vedana (pain in yoni and pelvic region)
Jwara (fever)
Malabandha (constipation)
Ayurvedic Management of Paripluta Yoni Vyapad
Shodhana Chikitsa:
Virechana –for aggravated Pitta
Basti –matra basti with sahcharadi tail and chandanbala tail for vaat and pitt shaman
Yoni Pichu-triphala ghrit dipped cotton swab is kept on opening of vagina
Yoni Dhupan-Yoni Dhupan is a traditional Ayurvedic procedure that involves fumigating the vaginal area with medicinal herbs like Guggulu,Vacha,Haridra ,(Turmeric)Neem leaves,Lodhra,Rasanjan,triphala,Kapoor (Camphor)
Vaginal Wash for PID and Cervicitis
Yoni prakshalana (vaginal wash) with Triphala, Neem decoction.Triphala and neem acts as antibacterial agent.
Triphala Water Yoni Prachalan is a gentle Ayurvedic procedure used for vaginal cleansing and maintaining yoni shuddhi (vaginal hygiene). It is especially useful in managing yoni vyapad, white discharge (shvet pradar), itching, burning, and infections, due to the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties of Triphala.
Shamana Chikitsa :
Internal Medications:
Triphala Guggulu
Gokshuradi guggul
Pathya-Apathya (Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations):
Pathya-to eat
Warm,(snigdha), easy-to-digest food Ghee, cooked vegetables, rice gruel
Apathya -To Avoid:
Spicy, sour, and oily foods
Cold, fermented items
Sexual activity during infection phase
Conclusion
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Cervicitis are common yet serious reproductive health conditions in females. While modern medicine offers antibiotics and symptomatic management, Ayurveda provides a holistic approach targeting the root cause through dosha shamana, yoni shuddhi, rasayana therapy, and immune boosting herbs. Early detection, proper hygiene, safe sexual practices, and timely Ayurvedic or modern interventions can prevent complications and promote long-term reproductive health and well-being in women.
