What Exactly is Vaginitis?
Yeast Infection in women is also known as Vaginitis (Tamil), Bacterial Vaginosis – BV (Scientific), Khamira sankraman or Yonishoth (Hindi/Urdu), Yonimarg dah (Marathi). Women usually tend to hide vaginitis problem. It is an inflammation of the vagina and vulva and common problem with women. This can be avoided by taking proper treatment in the initial stages. A number of things can irritate the vagina: infections with bacteria, fungi, and protozoa; harsh chemicals in personal care products; and even the loss of estrogen after menopause. Changes in the activity of the vaginal epithelium and in the vaginal secretion at different ages have a profound influence on the defense against vaginal infection. In the adult, the normal vaginal moisture or secretion consists of mucous and discarded vaginal cells. This discharge generally causes no irritation though the amount secreted and consistency vary. The variance is also due to the periodicity of the menstrual cycle and psychological conditions. Normal healthy women do not suffer from the sensations of the itching, burning, pain or irritation. In unhealthy women and in abnormal conditions, the resident organisms (bacteria) multiply rapidly and produce excessive waste products. It causes tissue irritation in this region leading to itching, swelling, and burning. There is increase in the frequency or discharge of urine which is accompanied with an unpleasant order. Pregnancy (because of hormonal shifts), diabetes, some contraceptives (contraceptive sponges, hormonal contraceptives, and intrauterine devices) and certain stressful psychological conditions as well as during the later half of the menstrual cycle can cause vaginitis. Diabetes mellitus raises glucose (sugar) levels in bodily fluids, allowing feasting yeast to proliferate.
There are 3 main types of vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV),
- Vaginal Candidiasis
- Trichomoniasis.
What are Common Symptoms and Root Causes of Vaginitis?
The symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning, feeling of heat and fullness in the vagina, a dragging feeling in the groin, increased urinary frequency, discomfort during intercourse, and a thick white vaginal discharge, that is, leucorrhoea. The clear or white secretion becomes purulent and yellow. The severity of leucorrhoea depends upon the degree of bacterial infection. Yeast, a type of fungus, normally colonize the vagina though in small numbers relative to health-promoting bacteria such as lactobacilli. An overgrowth of certain types of yeast, such as Candida albicans, produces vaginal yeast infections (also called yeast vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis). The main causes of vaginitis are irritation of vagina by external factors like cuts, abrasions in this region, constant wearing of tight-fitting clothes and wearing unclean clothes, using dirty or infected water and lack of hygiene. Cancer chemotherapy, cortisone-like medications, and HIV infection suppress the immune system, allowing disease-causing microbes to flourish. Certain medications and treatments can increase susceptibility to infection. Antibiotics kill the “friendly” bacteria that normally defend the vagina. These include the use of antibiotics, hormones and excessive douching.
Bacterial Vaginitis (BV) Yeast Infection Natural Home Remedies
Before you try home remedies or over the counter antifungal creams, we recommend you get a medical diagnosis. Women correctly self diagnose yeast vaginitis only about half the time. Other pathogens that don’t respond to antifungal drugs — some with potentially serious complications — can cause similar symptoms or may coexist with the yeast overgrowth. Home management is only appropriate if you’re sure you have yeast and your symptoms are mild. If you’re pregnant, do not try any home remedies without consulting your physician.
- Cure the Infection: Carefully peel a clove of Garlic so that no nicks are made in the meat. Wrap in clean gauze with a clean, unbleached string creating a small tampon like packet. Insert into the vagina each night for up to six nights. If this treatment does not cure the infection see your physician.
- Treat to Overcome Vaginitis: Treatment through water plays an important role in overcoming vaginitis. The patient should be given an enema with lukewarm neem water to cleanse the bowels and prevent the constipation which increases the toxemic condition, inflammation and infection in the genital organs. For general cleansing and elimination of purulent vaginal discharge, neem water vaginal douche followed by cold douche will be highly beneficial.
- Vaginal Infection Natural Treatment: For vaginal infections such as thrush, diluted tea tree oil can be applied to the affected area, although it is likely to sting. It is far better to use tea tree suppositories. Insert one every night for 3–4 days, stop for a few days, and then start again as required.
- Stop Growth of Candida Albicans: Vinegar can help arrest the growth of Candida albicans, a common cause of yeast infections. As you run a warm bath, pour in 1 cup apple cider vinegar and disperse it with your hand. Luxuriate for at least 20 minutes as the vinegar works to inhibit yeast growth.
- Home Remedy That Works: A decoction of the herb chebulic myrobalan has proved very useful for vaginal irritation and inflammation. It should be used as an external douche to wash the vulvar parts. When there is a thick white discharge, washing the part with decoction made with neem leaves and chebulic myrobalan fruits will greatly help.
- Douche with Herbal Formula: If you have a thick discharge from the genitals, along with an itching and burning sensation, try douche made with triphala. Boil 1 tablespoon of triphala powder in 1 pint of water for 5 minutes. Cool, strain, and use that tea for the douche. You will notice the healing effect quickly.
Tips to Prevent Vaginitis with Balanced Diet Suggestions
- If you have diabetes, work with your health practitioner to control your blood sugar. When blood sugar is abnormally high, so is the sugar in vaginal secretions, which feeds the yeast. even if you don’t have diabetes, avoid sweetened beverages, alcoholic drinks (which contain carbohydrates), refined carbohydrates, and other sweets, which can promote the growth of yeast.
- Avoid commercial vaginal sprays and douches. Harsh soaps and vaginal sprays may inflame the vagina and disrupt the normal microbial ecology.
- Maintain good bathroom hygiene; use unscented toilet paper and always wipe from front to back. don’t share towels and make sure yours dries completely between uses. in addition, when you swim or get sweaty, change into dry clothes as soon as you finish. Yeast thrives in damp environments.