Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Inflammation and Miscarriage in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, commonly known as PID, is a condition that can have a significant impact on a woman’s fertility. If not properly addressed, it has been shown to lead to other health issue such as pelvic pain, infertility, and even ectopic pregnancy.
Miscarriage due to PID is a real risk that must be treated properly to improve fertility outcomes. NHS reported that the risks of developing some complications of pregnancy such as miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth are increased in pregnant women with untreated PID.
If you would like to learn more about how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees inflammation in relation to miscarriage and all-natural treatments can help with inflammation and miscarriage, read on.
What is PID?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease refers to the infection and inflammation of the female reproductive organs. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. Proper treatment for PID is a must as it can lead to serious complications and increase the risk of miscarriage.
The symptoms of PID can vary from person to person. However, the more common signs of PID include:
- Lower abdominal pain and cramping
- Irregular periods
- Dark or painful menstrual blood indicating stasis
- Feelings of heaviness or stagnation
- Discharge with a foul odour
Chinese Medicine’s View on PID and Inflammation
In TCM, PID is associated with both heat and dampness in the pelvic area. Dampness represents a sluggish, heavy quality in the body, while heat signifies the presences of inflammation and excess energy.
Excessive Heat
This can disturb the balance of Yin and Yang in the body which may lead to a condition known as heat accumulation. This excess heat may harm the delicate environment that is necessary for sustaining a healthy pregnancy which then may lead to an increased risk of miscarriage.
Stagnation
Stagnation of Blood and Qi in the pelvic area are also risks associated with PID. Not only do they lead to discomfort, but they may potentially affect the circulation of the energy and nutrients that are needed for a healthy pregnancy. Blood stasis and Qi stagnation may contribute to the risk of inflammation and miscarriage.
Kidney deficiency
Traditional Chinese Medicine places such an emphasis on the kidneys as a foundation for reproductive health and vitality. Because PID can be caused by external pathogens, heat, and dampness, it can result in the weakening of the kidney essence. This essence is believed to play a crucial role in fertility and sustaining a pregnancy, and any deficiency in the kidneys can lead to hormonal imbalance and poor reproductive health.
Dampness
Long-term excess heat in the body can lead to the transformation of heat into dampness. This occurs when the body’s ability to eliminate heat is compromised and causes the accumulated heat to condense and mix with bodily fluids. This leads to the generation of dampness which can then block the flow of Qi and blood leading to stagnation.
The resulting stagnant blood cannot provide the proper nourishment to the uterus. When the pelvic organs are not receiving the nutrients needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy, then there is an increase in recurrent miscarriage risk.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can also negatively affect the uterine environment. Because the uterus is such an important organ for the nurturing and support of a healthy pregnancy, proper treatment of PID is essential. The inflammation and heat associated with PID can create an unfavourable environment in the uterus potentially hindering embryo implantation and growth.
All these factors combine to increase inflammation and miscarriage risk with PID. In TCM, the goal is to restore the balance of Qi and blood, clear heat, dampness, and inflammation in order to restore balance and prepare the body for conception.
How Can TCM Reduce the Risk of Inflammation and Miscarriage due to PID?
Treatment focuses on clearing toxic heat, invigorating the blood, expelling stasis, and addressing any underlying cold or deficiency patterns. Because the proper treatment of PID is essential prior to conception to reduce the risk of miscarriage, the following solutions are recommended:
- Acupuncture: Which has been used in TCM for centuries, has anti-inflammatory effects and will help to remove inflammation in the pelvic area that is caused by PID. By reducing inflammation, acupuncture will aid in contributing to a healthier environment for the developing fetus.
Acupuncture can also improve blood circulation. Doing so helps to promote better blood flow to the pelvic organs, including the uterus. Improving blood circulation can help to support a more nourishing environment for the embryo during the early stages of pregnancy.
Treatment with acupuncture can even help to relieve stress. Ongoing, chronic stress causes hormone and immune system problems that can then lead to constant low-level inflammation and poor fertility outcomes. A study out of the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities at the University of Science and Culture in Iran demonstrated acupuncture can aid in reducing the level of stress hormones in the body. It has even been shown to have antioxidant effects.
Conclusion
Thankfully, miscarriage due to inflammation is something that can be treated successfully using non-invasive, all-natural TCM methods. Heat, dampness, and kidney deficiencies must be addressed to help increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage due to PID.
The ancient practice of acupuncture is both safe and effective for those who are trying to conceive and has been shown to help reduce inflammation and stress levels while also improving blood circulation to clear heat and prevent dampness.
If you would like to learn more about inflammation and miscarriage, or if you have experienced miscarriage and PID, reach out to a TCM practitioner to get started on restoring your reproductive health and achieving a healthy and successful pregnancy.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with inflammation and miscarriage, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
