Home remedies for pelvic inflammatory disease

PID needs antibiotics from a doctor. Home care can help comfort and recovery, but it does not cure the infection.

While you are being treated

• Take every antibiotic dose, for the full course, even if you feel better
• Rest and avoid heavy activity until pain settles
• Pain relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen as advised by your doctor
• Warm compress or hot water bottle on the lower belly can ease cramps. Use a cloth barrier and avoid burns.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat light meals
• Avoid sex until you and your partner have finished treatment and symptoms have settled, usually at least 7 days after starting antibiotics
• Treat your partner at the same time to avoid passing the infection back
• Attend review in 2 to 3 days to check you are improving

What not to do

• Do not douche or use vaginal washes, herbal powders or inserts
• Do not use leftover antibiotics or tablets from someone else
• Do not use home remedies instead of antibiotics
• Do not ignore worsening pain or fever

Hygiene

Wash the genital area with plain water or mild soap on the outside only, wear clean cotton underwear and change pads and tampons regularly.

Be careful with

Hot baths or sitz baths with herbs are not a treatment. They may irritate the area.

Go to hospital for severe pain, high fever, repeated vomiting, fainting or no improvement in 3 days.

See a doctor if symptoms come back after treatment.

When to get help

See a doctor promptly for pelvic pain, new discharge, fever or pain during sex. Go to hospital for severe pain with fever, repeated vomiting, fainting, or sharp one-sided pain with a missed period. Early antibiotics protect your fertility.

Remember

Antibiotics, rest and treating your partner are the core steps. Home care only supports them.