'All forms of hydrotherapy, including Turkish baths, cold plunges, sauna and cold showers help to get general circulation moving and should be taken at least twice a week. Alternative morning and evening hot and cold sitz baths (shallow baths which come up only as far as your hips) with lavender oil added are also extremely helpful.'

You might also consider taking natural antibiotics. Kitty Campion recommends up to 360 drops of echinacea tincture daily during acute attacks.

Echinacea has repeatedly shown to be an effective herbal antibiotic with few side effects even at very high doses (Econ Med Plant Res, 1991; 5: 253-21; Can Pharm J, 1991; 124: 512-6; Arzneim Forsch, 1985; 35: 1069-75).

Garlic should be taken liberally in all its forms and has much scientific literature to back up its use as an anti bacterial agent (Phytother Res, 1993; 7: 278-80; Phytother Res, 1991; 5: 154-8; Planta Med, 1992; 58: 417-23; Med Hypothesis, 1983; 12: 227-37).

Goldenseal has also been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including chlamydia (Antibiotics, 1976; 3: 577-84; Sabouraudia, 1982; 20: 79-81).

Besides a wholefood diet, daily supplements of antioxidants and essential fatty acids will help to take the strain off your immune system.

The homoeopathic remedy Folliculinum, a potentised form of oestrogen, has no provings to date, but practitioner experience suggests that it may be useful in cases of PID (Am Hom, 1997; 3: 80-4). It is generally taken in single doses of 30C in acute cases.

Other measures you can take include reducing the number of sexual partners you have. Always use a condom even if you are on the Pill, and get tested for STDs every six months if you are in a high risk category.

If you smoke, it's time to stop since smokers are at greater risk from PID. You should change tampons and pads frequently when you menstruate and always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to keep bacteria from the faeces from entering the vagina.