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Introduction
Vaginal Infections and Pelvic
Inflammatory Disease (PID)
As well as thrush and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
that can affect women, there are, however, other conditions
that can affect the vagina, and these infections are
becoming increasingly common.
When the birth control pill took over as the main form of contraception for women, it replaced a variety of other methods, many of which acted as a barrier to sperm reaching an egg for fertilisation. But these methods did more than prevent sperm getting through, they also prevented diseases from entering the reproductive organs. Today, many women have had more than one sexual partner and there has been a dramatic increase in sexually transmitted disease (STDs). Some of the classic STDs, such as syphilis, are in decline (the result of early detection and improved methods of treatment), but they have been replaced by another group of infectious agents, which can cause discomfort and more serious problems.
What are these vaginal infections?
The two main infections are caused by either a bacteria
(bacterial vaginosis) or by a tiny parasite, known
as trichomonas vaginalis.
Bacterial vaginosis
This is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal
discharge among women (see page 00)
Trichomonas vaginalis
This is caused by a tiny parasite called a 'trichomonad',
which lives in the vagina. It is spread by having
sexual intercourse with someone who has the infection.
Are there any symptoms?
Bacterial vaginosis
There are a number of potential symptoms, including:
— itching, soreness and redness around the vagina,
vulva or anus
— grey or yellow vaginal discharge with a fishy
smell, especially after sex
— a burning sensation when passing urine
— pain during intercourse
You may suffer from some or all of these symptoms.
Trichomonas vaginalis
Unfortunately, there are fewer symptoms for this type
of infection, and you may not even have any, which
can make diagnosis a bit more difficult. You may,
however, experience:
— yellow or green vaginal discharge which is
frothy and smells fishy
— soreness and itching around the vagina
Bacterial vaginosis
This inflammation of the vagina develops when normal
vaginal lactobacilli ('healthy' bacteria) are replaced
by an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis (unhealthy
bacteria), anaerobic lactobacillis (unhealthy bacteria)
and mycoplasmas (small organisms that infect your
vagina or urinary tract).
In other words, there is a sudden imbalance in the natural bacteria of the body. Scientists are not sure what causes this imbalance, but when this infection is present the normal - slightly acidic - quality of the vagina changes to become more alkaline. The acid/alkaline balance in the body is known as a 'pH balance'. It is suggested that a sudden shift in balance from acid to alkaline allows other bacteria to take hold.
Trichomonas vaginalis
This condition is sexually transmitted and is, therefore,
only present if you have been in contact with someone
carrying the parasite.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an umbrella term for any inflammation of the
organs in the pelvis, and it is normally caused by
an infection in any of the reproductive organs, including
the womb, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, womb lining
and/or vagina. PID is sexually transmitted and the
symptoms can be very extreme. They include:
— foul smelling vaginal discharge
— fever
— pain in the lower abdomen
— breakthrough bleeding between periods
— back pain
— pain on intercourse
— a need to pass urine more frequently
— pain when urinating
It is believed that the infection spreads from the area around the cervix and migrates upwards. The two most common organisms that are implicated in PID are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed above, you should see your doctor immediately. It is essential that a proper diagnosis is made and that any other reason for the symptoms, such as ectopic pregnancy or appendicitis, are ruled out.
What are your choices?
If you are suffering any irritation around the vagina,
or if you have an unusual discharge, it is very important
that you see your doctor.
A swab will be taken and sent to the laboratory to work out which infection, if any, is present. You may find that you are suffering from a simple, and easily treated yeast infection (see section on Thrush ), but you could be suffering from one of the infections listed above, which can be more problematic. If you find you carry one of these infections, your partner will also need to be screened.
It is important that your diet is as healthy as possible to encourage resistance to any colonisation of bacteria. Supplements are recommended to boost your immune system so that it can more effectively fight off infections. They can also help to encourage the success of your medical treatment. Ultimately, however, your supplement plan is designed to prevent future attacks, using nutrients that are known to be helpful in the prevention of vaginal infections.
Supplements
The supplements recommended below have been studied
in clinical trials and have been found to be effective
in connection with vaginal infections. For best results
you should take them over a period of three months,
at the end of which you should be reassessed in order
to monitor improvements and changes and then adjust
the supplement programme according to your new condition.
Multivitamin and Mineral
A good quality multivitamin and mineral would form
the foundation of your supplement programme to make
sure that you are getting a 'little bit of everything'.
You then add in those nutrients in slightly higher
amounts which are known to be helpful for vaginal
infections.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is essential for the proper functioning
of the immune system. It also helps with the formation
of collagen, which is very important if you are suffering
from a vaginal infection or PID. Collagen is a protein
that is found in an abundant supply in the body. It
maintains the integrity of skin, ligaments, tendons
and bone. If the collagen matrix (which is the main
component of connective tissue) is intact, infection
is less likely to spread, and your organs are less
likely to become scarred by the infection. The bacteria
can spread through the connective tissue so having
extra vitamin C at this time will help to strengthen
the connective tissue, make it more resistant, and
decrease the time it takes for your body to repair
damaged tissue.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is a type of vitamin A that is known
to help your body produce collagen, and it also helps
to keep your cartilage strong. It is important that
you have adequate levels in your body to help stop
the spread of infection. Beta-carotene is also a powerful
antioxidant and is found in high concentrations in
the ovaries. However, if there isn't enough in the
body, levels in the ovaries will be inadequate, and
the ovaries will be less likely to be able to fight
off attacking infectious agents. Studies show that
adequate levels of beta-carotene can help to prevent
excess cell damage. Beta-carotene is also vital for
immune function and for the normal growth of the type
of tissue found in the vagina.
Vitamin E
We now know that vitamin E encourages an increased
resistance to chlamydial infections. As well as taking
a vitamin E orally, you can open up a capsule and
apply the oil to the inflamed area -or insert a yeast-free
capsule into the vagina to help soothe the tissues
and encourage healing.
B Vitamins
These water-soluble vitamins are often deficient in
women with vaginal infections. They are needed for
healthy cell replication, which is particularly important
when cells (such as those in the vagina) are bombarded
with infection.
Zinc
Zinc is an important mineral for the immune system
and needs to be taken when an infection is present.
Not only does it help to boost immunity, which can
encourage faster healing, but it can help to prevent
a recurrence.
Garlic
Often called 'nature's antibiotic', garlic is very
important while you are trying to fight off an infection
because it has strong antibacterial properties. So
not only can it help to deal with the present infection,
but it can help to prevent a recurrence by making
the body an inhospitable place for invaders.
Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus, a 'healthy' bacteria known
as flora, normally inhabits the vagina in good numbers.
Infections such as bacterial vaginosis tend to 'get
hold' when the balance between healthy and unhealthy
bacteria in the body change. Therefore, it makes sense
that if the bacteria in your body is largely healthy,
it is less likely that opportunistic bacteria can
take over. What's more, lactobacillus is toxic to
Gardnerella vaginalis, which is the main cause of
bacterial vaginosis. Acidophilus needs to be taken
orally, but I would also suggest that you use it internally
by either inserting an acidophilus capsule directly
into the vagina.
Herbs (see caution below)
Herbs are taken to help increase the effectiveness of your immune system. They can be useful while you taking medication, but they are also extremely effective when used following an attack in order to prevent a recurrence. Some herbs work on the infection directly.
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Tea tree oil has been the subject of recent research
into its beneficial effect on vaginal infection. It
appears to have antimicrobial properties and was especially
successful in treating trichomonas. This essential
oil is not taken by mouth but used vaginally to combat
trichomonas and bacterial vaginosis. It is possible
to buy tea tree oil pessaries, which you insert into
the vagina.
Another trick is to add a few drops of the essential oil to your bath, together with 3 cups of pure apple cider vinegar, which can be very helpful when you have a vaginal infection.
Echinacea
This is the herb of choice for boosting the immune
system and strengthening its ability to fight off
infection. Studies show that echinacea is more effective
if taken with short breaks (the immune system benefits
are less effective if it is taken continuously). I
would suggest ten days on and ten days off, ten days
on etc. for maximum benefit.
For more information on which herb
You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking, The Pill, Fertillity drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.
s to use for vaginal infections, see the rest of the Vaginal infections e-book at The Natural Health Practice which you can download.Tests are extremely useful, in that they can tell you what deficiencies you have at the moment and then for you to know what supplements would be useful to take to correct those deficiencies. You would then be re-tested after three to four months to monitor your progress and to adjust the supplement programme accordingly.
Mineral Analysis Test
with Supplement and Nutritional Assessment Programme
This test measures the deficiency and excess levels
of 7 different minerals and 5 heavy toxic metals that
may be present in your body.
Online Personalised
Supplement Assessment Programme
The analysis of this comprehensive questionnaire will
give you a three monthly supplement programme to help
balance any vitamin and mineral deficiencies you may
have.
After three months you would then have a re-test in order to monitor your progress and adjust your supplement programme according to your new condition.
If you need help in obtaining any of the supplements, herbs or tests mentioned above, click, Vaginal Infections options at The Natural Health Practice. They can supply all of them for you online or if you prefer to talk to somebody first you can also order by mail order on the telephone. The products supplied by this company are always of the highest quality.
Plan of Action
Nutrition
Ensure you are getting the right nutrition:
Follow dietary recommendations outlined on the Foundation
of Health page.
And for more information on the special dietary recommendation
for vaginal infections, see the rest of the Vaginal infections e-book at The Natural Health Practice.
The supplement programme below should be taken for at least three months in order to achieve best results
Your supplement plan
