Vaginal Infections
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STDs, such as syphilis, are in decline (the result of early detection and improved methods of treatment), but they have been replaced by another group of infectious agents, which can cause discomfort and more serious problems.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 e-book at The Natural Health Practice), 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.
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.
For more information on which herbs to use for vaginal infections, see the rest of theVaginal infections e-book at The Natural Health Practice Chapter 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, 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 chapter onVaginal 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
— A good multivitamin and mineral supplement
— Beta-carotene (50,000iu per day)
— B-complex (containing 50 mg of each B vitamin, taken daily)
— Zinc (30mg per day)
— Vitamin E (300iu, used as an oil to rub into sore tissue)
— Linseed oil (1000mg per day)
— Garlic capsules (4000mcg of allicin per day)
— Vitamin C (1000mg, twice daily)
— Acidophilus (containing 4 billion beneficial bacteria)
Echinacea
Tea tree oil pessaries
At the end of three months you should reassess your condition and adjust your supplement programme accordingly.
The tests below have been specially selected to be the most helpful if you are concerned about vaginal infections.
Mineral Analysis Test with Supplement and Nutritional Assessment Programme
Online Personalised
Supplement Assessment Programme
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, 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.
The section above forms part of a larger 9 page chapter on vaginal infections taken from my book,. In the rest of the chapter you will learn what the medical approaches to vaginal infections are and how to combine them with the natural approach. This is called Integrated Medicine and is the way that healthier of the future is moving towards. You will also learn what medical tests will give you an accurate diagnosis of your condition and if you really need to have them. The medical treatments for vaginal infections are then examined which can include looking at either drugs or surgery. Each treatment is then discussed and the pros and cons of the options explained. The Integrated Approach to vaginal infections is considered in some detail so that if appropriate you can know how to combine the best of both conventional and natural medicine.
At the end of the chapter is a practical step by step summary of what you can do to help yourself.
If you would like to read the rest of this chapter click,Vaginal infections e-book at The Natural Health Practiceand you will be given details of how you can download the whole chapter.
The contents of this site are for information only and are intended to assist readers in identifying symptoms and conditions they may be experiencing. This site is not intended to be a substitute for taking proper medical advice and should not be relied upon in this way. Always consult a qualified doctor or health practitioner, especially if you are pregnant, taking the pill or on any medication. Your situation will need to be looked at individually and you should not attempt to self treat. The author and publisher cannot accept responsibility for illness arising out of the failure to seek medical advice from a doctor.
The views expressed by third parties placing material on these pages are not representative of the views of the author or publisher. The Author and Publisher cannot monitor the content not produced by us and has not reviewed all the third party material published on this site and the Author and Publisher accept no liability whatsoever in relation to the content of third party material placed on these pages.
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