PID usually starts as an infection of the cervix that, for whatever reason (and there are a variety of them), spreads upward into the uterus, the fallopian tubes, the ovaries and into the abdominal cavity.

The most common symptoms in extreme cases are severe pelvic pain, which is usually noticeable with exercise or sexual intercourse, temperatures of 100.4 degrees F or more, chills, abnormal vaginal discharge and/or bleeding, fatigue, abdominal or back pain and just a general aching feeling all over. For many women acute symptoms never appear.

Many things aid in spreading the bacteria that cause PID. Frequent douching has been found to be a contributing factor. Research also draws a connecting line from PID to IUD use, specifically the now defunct Dalkon Shield. IUDs seem to aid in the spreading of pelvic infections of all varieties. The string attached to an IUD which hangs down into the vagina acts like a small ladder for bacteria to climb up and into the uterus.

If you do have an IUD, your doctor probably advises you to have it replaced every three to five years to help prevent PID. However, each time an IUD is replaced there is not only an increased risk of uterine perforation, but also an increased risk of PID due to the fact that it can take from one to six weeks for the cervical opening to shrink back to its normal size after the procedure.

In addition, the risk of getting an infection is higher during or immediately after your menstrual period. Bleeding seems to make it easier for bacteria to spread upward into the uterus and menstrual blood enhances bacterial growth.

Medicine has very little to offer women with PID other than antibiotics or surgery. Treatment can be complicated by the fact that more than one type of bacteria may be present.

In recurring acute cases, antibiotic use may be of benefit as a first step (some chlamydial infections will respond well to tetracyclines and erythromycin).

Unfortunately, because chlamydia lives within human cells, it may be difficult to entirely eradicate the organism with antibiotics alone. So, women who are experiencing a single mild to moderate first bout of PID may wish to take less aggressive steps.

To clear up a case of PID, practitioners (both alternative and conventional) will generally recommend complete bed rest, probably for a week or two. You will also be advised to refrain from sex to reduce irritation in the pelvic cavity.

An alternative practitioner will approach PID as he would any other bacterial infection anywhere else in the body by prescribing herbs and other treatments which help the body fight off infection naturally. Herbalist Kitty Campion has assisted many women in healing both chronic and acute PID with great success. She cautions that the natural route requires much dedication and persistence as well as considerable courage as the pain can often be quite extreme.

'During acute attacks, I always recommend fasting on apple or carrot juice with plenty of potassium broth (a clear broth made from 1/4 thick potato peelings, 1/4 carrot peelings, 1/4 onions and garlic celery and 1/4 greens all preferably organic simmered on a low heat for one to two hours and taken in a mug with two desertspoons of yeast extract) for as long as the attack lasts, ensuring the colon is functioning extremely well. Hot and ice cold abdominal packs applied alternatively as long as the pain lasts are also helpful.