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Positive effect of balneotherapy on post-PID symptoms
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rostock, Germany.
International Journal of Fertility and Menopausal Studies
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Balneotherapy after antibiotic treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) did not improve fallopian tube patency. However, it significantly reduced lower abdominal pain in patients.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Background:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a significant cause of female infertility and chronic pelvic pain.
- Antibiotic therapy is the mainstay for acute PID, but long-term sequelae like tubal damage and adhesions often persist.
- The role of adjunctive therapies like balneotherapy in improving outcomes after acute PID remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of balneotherapy as an adjunct to antibiotic treatment in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- To assess the impact of balneotherapy on fallopian tube patency and the resolution of symptoms such as lower abdominal pain.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 57 patients diagnosed with PID via laparoscopy received standardized antibiotic treatment (oxytetracycline and metronidazole).
- Following acute phase treatment, 30 patients underwent balneotherapy (mud baths, mineral baths, electrotherapies, gynecological exercises) in a sanatorium setting.
- A control group of 27 patients did not receive balneotherapy. Second-look laparoscopy was performed approximately 12 weeks post-initial surgery.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the rate of tubal occlusion was observed between the balneotherapy group (31%) and the control group (28%) (P > .05).
- The incidence of moderate to severe adhesions remained similar between groups at both initial and second-look laparoscopies.
- A statistically significant reduction in subjective or objective complaints was noted in the balneotherapy group (6.7%) compared to the control group (44.4%) (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- Balneotherapy following antibiotic treatment for acute PID does not enhance fallopian tube patency.
- Balneotherapy is effective in reducing the frequency of lower abdominal pain in patients recovering from acute PID.
- Adjunctive balneotherapy may offer symptomatic relief for chronic pelvic pain associated with PID sequelae.