Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes.  Infertility is a common result of PID infection. Scar tissue caused by PID can hinder correct ovulation or may obstruct the passage of an egg through the fallopian tubes. This can lead to permanent infertility. PID usually occurs in women between the ages of 15 and 24.

Chlamydia is the most common cause of PID. It is estimated that 40% of women who have Chlamydia will develop PID. PID caused by Chlamydia often results in little or no symptoms. This means that the infection may go unnoticed until there is irreversible damage. Not only can PID decrease the chances of pregnancy, it can also increase health risks to a baby. There is a danger of miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth. It is estimated that about 10% of women who contract Chlamydia will become infertile as a result of PID.

PID can cause injury to the fallopian tubes that transport eggs from the ovaries to the womb. Fallopian tubes may stop working or become completely blocked. Scarring of the uterus and fallopian tubes can greatly decrease the chances of fertilization and pregnancy. Women with damaged fallopian tubes can become pregnant, but there is an increased risk of the pregnancy developing in the fallopian tubes instead of the womb. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. The fallopian tube can tear causing severe pain and bleeding. Bleeding can be a life threatening condition.

Acupuncture will increase the immune system’s ability to fight the infection and decrease inflammation in the reproductive tract and reduce pain. It will also help prevent adhesions and scarring in the pelvic cavity. Chinese herbs would be individualized and tailored to increasing the function of the immune system and to remove the bacteria that is present in the reproductive tract. The use of moxa would be applied for chronic cases. Moxa is either a single herb or a mix of herbs that is burned over the skin at certain acupoints to affect a change in the body. It warms and heals the area, and points that the areas affect. Herbs will also be prescribed to resolve the dampness, clear the heat, moderate the immune system, and encourage blood flow.