Vaginal Infections
The vagina is the perfect environment for
bacteria to grow in. Warm and moist, it is
home to many lively microorganisms. Most of these organisms live in symbiotic
relationship with one another and are necessary for the overall health of the vaginal area.
Some of the bacteria help keep the vagina in its normal state of acidity, which controls
the growth of
fungus, yeast, and other harmful organisms. (A normal vagina is more
than slightly acid, with a pH around 4.0 to 5.0.) When the internal environment of the
vagina changes, even slightly, from its normal level of acidity, one or more of the
microorganisms can rapidly grow out of control. As they reproduce, they generate
metabolic waste material, which in turn causes the inflammation and irritation in the vaginal
membranes that we call vaginitis.
There are several kinds of vaginal inflammations, ranging from
candida and monilia,
which are caused by a yeast like fungus, to trichomonas, which is caused by a protozoa in
the genital/urinary tract, to gardnerella and several other vaginal
infections which are
caused by a variety of microorganisms and are together called nonspecific vaginitis. Most
of these vaginal inflammations are contagious and tend to be recurrent.
A frequent treatment for vaginitis is antibiotics or sulfa medications. Both are very effective
in killing infection-causing bacteria but both are also very effective in killing the good
bacteria needed to maintain a healthy vaginal environment. Though antibiotics quickly
destroy microorganisms and miraculously seem to cure the infection, they do not offer
long-term relief: With the destruction of the germs, the symptoms of the infection may
disappear for a few weeks. However, the problems that created the imbalance in the first
place have not been corrected, and the organisms begin to grow again. They often
multiply even more quickly now because other organisms that once provided a natural
defense against them have also been destroyed by the antibiotics. Seeing her infection
returning, a woman may decide to take the medication again, and the circle repeats
itself: The only way to treat vaginitis successfully is to correct the underlying causes.
Supplements and herbs
- Avoid vitamin supplements that are yeast based.
- Acidophilus liquid or capsules: Replenishes the friendly bacteria in the vagina
needed fight infection. The lactobacillus variety has been found to be the most
effective.
- Vitamin A and beta carotene: Necessary to maintain the health of the vaginal
mucosa and boost the immune system.
- Vitamin B complex: Can be deficient in women with recurring vaginitis.
Lack of
estrogen can increase the need for vitamin B6.
- Vitamin C: Important for immune system health in fighting any infection.
- Vitamin C and bioflavonoids: Help to stop the spread of infection and have
been useful in reducing the frequency and severity of
herpes infections.
- Vitamin D with
calcium and
magnesium: Helps to relieve
stress, which has been
associated with vaginal infections.
- Vitamin E: Can be used externally for
itching. A lack of vitamin E in the diet
can compromise immunity.
- Avoid taking iron supplements while the infection is active.
Iron can feed
certain bacteria.
- Zinc picolinate: In some studies, zinc has been shown toxic to
vaginal yeast
infections. A lack of zinc can also weaken the immune system, which can
predispose one to infection. Topical zinc can also be used for itching.
- Chlorophyll: This substance: is bacteriostatic and can soothe inflamed tissue.
- Lysine: Can reduce the reoccurrence of vaginal infections. Oral supplementation
has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of certain infections.
- Aloe vera gel: Helps to soothe and heal irritated tissue.
- Golden seal and
Oregon grape: Both of these herbs contain the
alkaloid berberine,
which is antibacterial. Can be used internally and as a therapeutic douche.
- Garlic capsules: Have antifungal properties that have been shown to be effective
against some antibiotic resistant organisms.
- Fennel,
ginseng,
alfalfa,
red clover,
anise,
dong quai and
licorice are considered
to have a mild estrogenic effect, which can help maintain hormonal balance,
thereby reducing the risk of vaginal infections.
- Tea tree oil: This oil, diluted, can be used in
douche form to fight infection and
sooth irritated tissue. Four to five drops can be placed on a tampon and inserted.
- Pot marigold: An antifungal, astringent herb that promotes healing. Can be used
as a douche or in cream form.
- Damask rose: A cooling anti-inflammatory that can help relieve vaginal itching.
Use in lotion form.
- White oak bark: Works as an astringent, which fights vaginal infection.
- Pau d' arco
tea: Has antifungal properties and helps to fight infections of any kind.
Homeopathy
The remedy can be taken in the 6, 12 or 30 strength (x or c), two, three or
more times daily, depending on the intensity of the symptoms.
- Alumina
Profuse, flesh-colored or transparent discharge, runs down the leg.
Acrid, itching and burning. Very dry vagina. Great
fatigue after menses.
Insomnia and heat during menses. Confusion of identity,
anxiety, guilt.
Worse: before and after menses, potatoes. Better: cold bathing, evening.
- Calc carb
Profuse milky or white yellow discharge. Starts and stops. Itching and
burning. Irritable and weak during vaginitis. Menses too early, profuse.
Overweight, sour, acidic. Chilliness. Hard working. Anxious, worrier.
Worse: before or after periods, exercise, cold, damp, a.m. Better: lying.
- Nitric acid
Flesh-colored, cherry red or greenish, fetid discharge. Like brown water.
Stringy, irritating, corrosive with swollen glands, itching, burning,
ulcers.
History of vaginal warts or HPV. Anger, dissatisfaction, fear of disease.
Menses early, profuse, brownish. Worse: after menses, cold, touch, eve.
- Pulsatilla
Thick, milky or creamy, bland discharge, later becomes thin and acrid.
Itching, burning, swelling, painless. Sad, weepy, needy. Chilly, anemic.
Discharge in infants, puberty, premenopause. Periods absent or
painful.
Worse: after menses, lying, cold, damp, hot room. Better: fresh air.
- Sepia
Yellowish-green or milky discharge, corrosive and burning, fetid smell.
Only during daytime. Weakness after discharge. Bearing down pains.
Weak uterus, prolapse. Low estrogen; late, scanty menses, dry vagina.
Sallow complexion, weak liver. Depressed, indifferent, averse to sex.
Worse: before menses, menopause, evening, cold, damp. Better: exercise.
What else you can do
- Keeping the immune system healthy through diet, exercise and vitamin and
mineral supplementation can help to prevent vaginal infections. Don't smoke,
drink alcohol or use caffeine.
- Eat a diet that is low in sugar and high in fiber and fresh vegetables and fruits.
Avoid artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to a higher incidence of
yeast infections.
- Take acidophilus culture after meals.
- Don't wear nylon underpants. Use white, cotton underwear, which discourages
the growth of infection.
- Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing that inhibits air circulation, especially
overnight.
- Wear pantyhose that have cotton crotches.
- Double rinse underwear to prevent chemical irritation from detergents.
- During periods, wear pads at night rather than tampons.
- Using a natural lubricant during intercourse to prevent irritation. Mineral oil,
egg whites, petroleum jelly and plain yogurt are recommended. Baby oil contains
perfume which may prove irritating.
- Don't use spermicides as a contraceptive option. These can increase your risk of
vaginal infections.
- Use unscented, uncolored toilet paper to avoid any chemical irritation.
- Don't use chemical douches, which disrupt the normal alkaline/acid balance of
the vagina and can increase the risk of bacterial invasion.
- Avoid the prolonged use of antibiotics if possible.
- Avoid deodorant or heavily perfumed soaps.
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