Evidence for the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A Literature Review Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
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Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
OverviewPelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a significant infection of the female upper reproductive tract, affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other surrounding pelvic structures. It is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These infections ascend from the cervix or vagina into the upper genital tract, where […]
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This review focused on evaluating the role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). It aimed to assess the effectiveness, safety, and mechanisms behind various CAM therapies, such as Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), acupuncture, moxibustion, and other non-pharmaceutical interventions like pelvic exercises, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and microwave physiotherapy. The study explored how these therapies could serve as adjunct treatments for PID, particularly in cases where conventional antibiotic treatments show limited success.
Who was studied?
The review synthesized evidence from multiple studies involving women diagnosed with PID, especially those suffering from chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID), a condition with serious long-term implications such as infertility and chronic pelvic pain. These studies included patients who underwent CAM therapies either alone or in combination with conventional treatments. By evaluating the outcomes of these patients, the review aimed to determine whether CAM therapies could provide significant benefits in PID management.
What were the most important findings?
The review found that CAM therapies, particularly Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM), acupuncture, and moxibustion, have shown promising results in managing PID symptoms, including inflammation and pelvic pain. CHM, such as Xaiyan decoction, was particularly effective in improving clinical outcomes in chronic PID patients, where conventional treatments often fail. Acupuncture and moxibustion were noted for their ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, which contributed to better symptom management in PID patients. Moreover, combining CAM therapies with traditional antibiotics appeared to offer enhanced therapeutic outcomes, reduced recurrence rates, and a decrease in the long-term use of antibiotics. These findings suggest that CAM therapies may have a role in supporting the treatment of PID, especially when used alongside conventional medical treatments.
What are the greatest implications of this study?
The study suggests that integrating CAM therapies into PID treatment plans could potentially improve patient outcomes, particularly in managing inflammation and alleviating symptoms like chronic pelvic pain. By reducing the need for prolonged antibiotic use, CAM offers a potential strategy to mitigate antibiotic resistance, which is a growing concern in PID treatment. However, the study also highlights the need for further high-quality, large-scale clinical trials to substantiate the effectiveness and safety of these treatments. With additional research, CAM could become a standard part of PID treatment protocols, offering a holistic approach to managing this complex condition.
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP)
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is persistent pain in the pelvic region lasting six months or longer, often multifactorial, impacting physical and emotional well-being, and associated with various medical conditions.