Symptoms of Vaginitis or Vaginal Infection
Vaginal itching, burning, stinging, redness, irritation, rawness, unusual discharge, odor, pain during sex, lumps or bumps on the labia that itch and then disappear. Sore, raw, red patches of skin on the labia or just inside the vaginal opening are also symptoms, but may also be related to vaginal atrophy (associated with Vulvodynia or Menopause).
Possible Causes of Vaginitis or Vaginal Infection
Vaginal problems are most often associated with fluctuating hormone levels or the use of antibiotics. They may also arise from one, or a combination, of the following:
Foods high in oxylates, douching, tight clothing, laundry detergent (sensitivities), fragranced/dyed toilet paper, feminine products, sex without proper lubrication, STDs, perfumes, Diabetes, Folic Acid deficiency, Stress, food allergies or sensitivities, dehydration, a diet too high in acid forming foods, reactions to medications that cause Candida.
Vaginal dryness, burning, redness, tenderness and patchy areas may also be caused by Fibromyalgia and Sjogren's Syndrome/Disease, which are autoimmune disorders. Myofascial Pain Syndrome may also be a cause for vaginal problems that seem to have no other cause. Visit the TCL TMS & MPS web page for more information.
Spiritual/Psychological causes of Vaginal Dis-Ease: Fear of intimacy, not necessarily just physical intimacy.
Associated Chakra(s): 4th Chakra and 6th Chakra
Associated Energy Meridian(s): Spleen, Pericardium (Heart Sack) and The Triple Burner Meridians
Common Vaginal Conditions/Complaints
There are so many vaginal conditions under the general term of 'vaginitis' that it is difficult to give you the proper names for all vaginal conditions because, in all honesty, each condition are often called several different things, and the names keep changing! Below you will find information about what is different between each of the common afflictions below.
Bacterial vaginosis, better known as vaginitis or Gardnerella, which is caused by declining Lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina which allows other organisms to multiply rapidly. It is not considered to be sexually transmittable. It may seem that way if you have been with your partner and you begin to experience problems right away. But what may actually be happening is that you are sensitive to his sperm, which is more alkaline that the normal acidic pH of your vagina. This may be throwing your vaginal pH off balance. Understand, your own body can be the 'culprit', but a man can contract it from a woman and vice versa. Look for redness, irritation, or a scaly appearance on the head of the penis. In addition there may be a fishy, or yeasty, smell. Men can be treated with antibiotic or natural creams too.
Gardnerella is often the bacterial infection that sets up home in your vagina and refuses to leave. Just when you think it is gone you find out it was just on vacation! It often shows up when you are menopausal. Gardnerella represents problems with your immune, hormonal, and chemical system, which is directly related to anxiety, diet, nervous tension, drugs (all), birth control pills, and the lack of good sleep over a long period of time. All of these things impair our immune systems and lower our resistance to overgrowth of bacteria and and infection. There may be multiple symptoms. There may be a discharge that can be white, yellow or grayish in color. The discharge is thinner than that of a yeast infection. There may even be itchy cyst-like bumps during discharge that go away after a few minutes (almost like a hive, a small bump, or raised area). The discharge often dries, gets stuck in pubic hairs, and leaves a hard crust in underwear. It also causes itching, sometimes severely. Some women get lower back pain and swollen glands on insides of their thighs. Sometimes there is a pasty or fishy smell, but not always. Physicians generally agree that Gardnerella cannot cross the barrier of the vaginal wall and become systemic (meaning it cannot enter the blood stream). Still, Gardnerella has its effect on the whole body system. Women have commented that they have lost weight and slept better after having gotten rid of it. Gardnerella may require an antibiotic to get rid of the infection.
Trichomoniasis is an infection, which can occur from bacteria getting into the vagina from the rectum (the vaginal opening and the rectum are in close proximity) and can be sexually transmittable. There is usually an itchy discharge that is fishy smelling. Trichomoniasis may require an antibiotic to get rid of the infection.
Yeast (Candida) occurs when the vaginal environment has been upset. A yeast (candida) infection is a fungul infection, something that can evolve on its own (without sexual relations), although it can be transfered to a male partner, especially when the male foreskin is still intact. Yeast itches, smells musty, and usually has a cottage cheesy discharge. Typically, a lack of necessary 'good' bacteria (lactobacillus) in the vagina is the cause.
Atrophic vaginitis is an irritation of the vaginal lining caused by a decrease in the hormone estrogen. The vaginal lining, including the opening, becomes thin and dry. This can cause so much pain during intercourse that many women become sexually disabled.
Vulvodynia (sometimes called Vestibular Adentis) often gets confused with other conditions where the main symptoms are irritation and pain, such as with Atrophic Vaginitis (above) or Cytolytic Vaginosis (below). This condition causes redness, irritation, itching, pain, and moderate to severe pain with intercourse, but not necessarily any discharge. The root of the matter is not completely understood by mainstream medical practitioners, but has been proven not to be hormone related. It can, however, be related to muscle tension in the lower back or pelvic floor. Keep in mind that if you have irritation and pain, along with a discharge, you may be dealing with more than one condition. It could even be the foods you are eating. A number one cause of Vulvodynia is a diet too rich in oxylates.
Cytolytic Vaginosis is not common. It occurs when there is too much of the 'good' bacteria (lactobacillus) in the vagina. The vagina is rich in lactobacillus bacteria, but when it overgrows it can cause Cytolytic Vaginosis, which creates redness, itching, burning when urinating, and pain upon entry during intercourse, symptoms much like Vulvodynia.
Dyspareunia, painful intercourse. There are many different reasons for painful intercourse. Thus, you can see why women in their later years can become frustrated when trying to figure out the cause of their symptoms.
Vaginitis/Yeast Triggers
Eating a diet too rich in foods containing oxylates and salicylates.
Sitting more than 75% of the day, especially on hard surfaces.
Wearing tight clothing and ill fitting thong underwear.
Muscle tension and/or muscle abnormalities in the pelvic floor leading to lack of blood flow and oxygen to the vaginal tissues experiencing symptoms. Surgeries and other traumas to the lower back may also cause this condition by weakening body structures. Even sitting too long (especially for much of the day) can cause muscle tension and abnormalities.
Fragranced feminine products, bath oils, salts and soaps (unless fragranced naturally) and rough, dusty or scented toilet paper, also cause pH changes in the vagina.
A change in sexual partners disrupts vaginal ph, but not only that, sperm changes vaginal pH. Some couples are incompatible for this very reason.
STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are certainly other vaginal conditions that worry women, not to mention Be sure to see your doctor if you experience any scary or unpleasant symptoms, so you know what you are up against.
All-Natural Therapies for Vaginitis/Yeast
Balance your pH. On a scale of 1-14, a healthy vaginal pH reads between 3.8 and 4.5, which is more acidic than other parts of the body. Pre-menopausal vaginal pH reads 4.5-6.0 and post-menopausal reads 6.5-7.0. A pH reading of 7.0, or higher, creates increased chance of infection. This is considered a very alkaline environment. Some of the factors that can influence our vaginal pH levels are a poor diet (sugary, processed or junk foods). You will have less problems if you eat a more natural foods diet. Stress also plays a role as stress interferes with hormonal balance. Avoid a diet too high in acid forming foods. There are different pH (acidity levels) for different parts of the body, including the vagina. Even though, both bacterial vaginosis and yeast are both caused by overgrowth of certain natural bacteria, they are not the same conditions and require different treatments. However, both require restoration of the vaginal pH. For information on how to test and balance your pH, there's the TCL e-book, The Importance of pH Balance.
Avoid foods high in oxylates. There's the TCL e-book, The Oxylates & Salicylates Food Lists.
Avoid eating too much sugar and keep your blood sugar level. Diabetes and Hypoglycemia can cause vaginal problems.
Take Folic Acid. A high percentage of those with vaginal problems are deficient in Folic Acid.
Find positive ways to deal with stress. Get tested for allergies. Ask your doctor for a referral to your allergy clinic.
Avoid dehydration. Drink pure water, 6-8 cups every day.
Tea Tree Oil Remedies for Discomfort
While Tea Tree oil does not cure infection, it does work to relieve the associated pain and discomfort of yeast infections, vaginitis, skin irritations and Herpes. It has wonderful antiseptic and skin healing qualities.
Tea Tree Oil burns slightly, but only for a few moments. You should just barely be able to smell the oil in your preparations or it could sting or burn for longer than necessary. It should be pleasant smelling and easy on the nose.
Tea Tree Oil Douche - 1 quart warm water (4 cups) and 5 drops of 100% Tea Tree oil. Swirl a bit to make sure it is blended. You may also add 2-4 drops of garlic juice. Garlic fights infection. Never douche for more than a period of 2-6 weeks. The idea here is to lower the pH of the vagina with the use of acid elements. If your symptoms refuse to go away, get worse or come back, see your doctor.
Tea Tree Oil Suppositories are available at your health store. They are usually inserted at bedtime. Use as directed.
Tea Tree Oil Sitz Bath - Add 10 drops of 100% Tea Tree oil to a half a tub of warm water and sit in it for at least 20 minutes.
Tea Tree Anti-Itch & Burn Ointment - Add 6 drops of Tea Tree oil to 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel and mix together. Apply it right to the vagina to relieve itching. Another alternative is to soak a tampon in this same solution and insert into the vagina. Insertion works best when applied with Aloe Vera gel or Olive oil. Aloe Vera is often used for burns and is especially relieving when it comes to irritated vaginal tissue.
Remedies for Vaginal Discomfort
Baking Soda Sitz Bath (for inflammation, pain and itch) - Add 2-4 Tablespoons of Baking Soda to 2 inches of bath water. Sit in it for 15 minutes to reduce itch and pain. Do this 2-3 times the first week and once or twice each week, thereafter, to prevent recurrances.
Baking Soda Douche (for inflammation, pain and itch) - Mix 1-2 Teaspoons of Baking Soda in 1 pint of warm water. Gently douche once or twice week as needed.
Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection
The 'Old World' Vaginal Yeast Cure - Douche with Buttermilk mixed with a little water.
Plain Yogurt Insert - Insert plain yogurt (no fruit, added sugars or dyes) into the vagina before bed. Plain yogurt contains Lactobacillus, as does the inner vagina. Overgrowth of normal bacteria upsets the ecological balance of the vagina, resulting in yeast infection. Applying plain yogurt helps to restore balance. The easiest way to do this is to insert a yogurt soaked sterile gauze square into the vagina at night. This can be done for a period of 7-14 days.
Probiotic Lactobacillus Acidophilus Douche - Instead of yogurt you may also dissolve fast dissolving acidophilus into warm water to douche with. Schiff vitamins sells a fast dissolving Lactobacillus product that works quite well for this. The tablet dissolves instantly. This method is also great for rinsing with when vaginal tissues are irritated. You can take it as a supplement as well.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus Insert - Insert a tablet of Acidophilus containing Bifidus at bedtime (or anytime). Don't use capsules. They won't dissolve. Instead, take orally daily, as directed on the label, for added measure.
ACV/Yogurt Alternating Douche Remedy for Vaginal Yeast Infection
In the morning - Add 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to 2 cups of room temperature to warm water and douche.
In the evening - Add 1 teaspoon of Plain Yogurt (no flavorings!) with 1 cup of warm water and douche.
Do this for 14 days and nights, no longer.
Supplements for Vaginitis/Yeast
Your doctor may not know about this, but there are prescription Vaginal Vitamin C Tablets that correct pH imbalances in the vagina and relieve all symptoms of bacterial vaginosis with no side effects. If you would like to give your doctor information, visit www.polichem.com. Often, they are not covered by insurance and may be expensive, but they are available. Do not pop a regular Vitamin C tablet into your vaginas, ladies! Even if it is buffered, C it will burn! The prescription Vaginal C Tablets are coated and time released.
Some Highly Sensitive Women say that once they restored levels of Folic Acid, their vaginal problems went away. It is unsure why this is. Vaginitis can be caused by stress and being over-taxed emotionally, which can deplete the body of Folate. Folic Acid is water-soluble and leaves the system quickly. It is for this reason that many of us are deficient. Take 800 mcg once per day (400 mcg 2 x per day). A difference should be noticed within 3-7 days. Take in combination with B-12. Once your symptoms are under control, reduce to 400 mcg per day, but make sure you keep taking it. Use as directed on the label. Too much Folic Acid may be harmful. Talk to your doctor is you are taking seizure medication. Watch for any allergic responses, such as breathing problems, hives, rash or chest pain. As long as you are taking the recommended dose, you should not experience any problems.
Taking Fish Oil or Krill Oil are a priority, as omega-3 oils are essential to help calm and repair cells through out the body. If you don't like swallowing capsules, eat more fish. Don't do any of this if you are allergic to seafoods!
Flax seeds must be ground up to be of benefit. Add a little to cereals, smoothies and salads. Flax seeds help to fight off bacterial and viral infections.
Zinc 15-30 mg per day helps with healing.
Take probiotics lactobacillus acidophilus supplements to increase friendly bacteria in the gut and decrease the chance of yeast overgrowth in the body.
Echinacea can be used to fight off bacterial infection and boost the immune system. Use as directed on the label, usually for no more than 2 weeks.
Garlic is a natural bacteria fighter. Ask your doctor first if you are on blood pressure or cholesterol medicines.
Vitamin A (no more than 8,000 IU of Vitamin A per day).
Vaginal pH & Vaginal Infection Screening Kits
Vaginal infection screening kits score your vaginal pH and may be less than a co-pay at your doctor's office. They are available at your local drugstore for about $15.
For all-natural remedies for menopausal symptoms,
there's the TCL e-book, Navigating Menopause for Highly Sensitive Women.
May Love & Energy Be Yours!
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