Dr. B. Venkat Rao Vaginitis involves inflammation and irritation
of the vaginal tissues. It is often accompanied by a
copious and foul smelling discharge. It is often
accompanied by a copious and foul smelling discharge. One
third of all women suffer from vaginal irritation once or
twice every year. Vaginitis is generally caused during
the hot and the humid part of the year. It can be caused
by hormonal deficiencies, infection, improper cleaning
habits, allergies to soaps, vaginal sprays, repeated
douching and perfumed toilet tissue. Emotional upsets can
change the chemical balance of the vagina and may thus
cause vaginitis. Use of oral contraceptive or just a
cyclicsurge of estrogens preceding the menses can cause
such and abnormal secretion from the vagina. Use of
antibiotics destroys good bacteria also and can cause
vaginitis. Vitamin B deficiency and intestinal worms can
be other causes. It is more common among women who are
overweight.
Not all vaginal discharge is abnormal. The glands in
uterus, vagina and cervix produce their own secretions.
If a discharge is not irritating or foul smelling and is
clear in colour, it is probably normal. During child
bearing years, the vagina is kept clean and moist by a
fluid which maintains a balance of bacteria in a weak
acid environment. This fluid increases during
intercourse, pregnancy and the time of ovulation. Urine
and semen both are sterile and do not present any threat
to the vaginal health. But bowel movement does. Women
should always wipe their anus from front to back. Vaginal
infection can, in severe cases, spread to the pelvic
organs and even lead to infertility. Vaginal odour is
usually due to the retention of the discharge by the
public hair. Wash that away. Hair removal is a cosmetic
decision and not a health matter.
Symptoms of vaginitis besides irritation and indlammation
consist of discharge and odour. Other symptoms could even
be involuntary closing of the vagina to prevent
penetration (vaginismus) and dryness of the vagina making
penetration very painful.
To control vaginitis it is necessary to keep the vaginal
area absolutely dry and clean. Practice good hygiene. Do
not remain in swimming gear for long periods. Avoid wet
clothing, especially wet under garments. Cotton garments
should be in greater use so that the moisture and even
discharge is effectively absorbed. Tight fitting clothes
should be avoided so that there is proper ventilation of
the body and air can circulate freely. Do not keep the
vulva wrapped up all day. Bacteria thrive in a warm,
moist climate. Adequate air circulation keeps the lips of
the vagina dry and deprives the bacteria of the moisture
they need to grow. Keep the vulva as dry as possible.
Avoid even routine douching. Preferred hygiene is plain
soap and water. If there is small irritation a mini
douche with one teaspoon of vinegar with a glass of water
could be given two or three times a day. It is like
gargling with hot salt water in case of minor sore
throat. Vinegar is likely to increase the acidity of the
vagina and restore the natural resistance of the organ.
Bacterial infection prospers on iron. No iron supplements
should, consequently be taken until you are healed of
this condition. To ensure that emotional upsets do not
aggravate vaginitis, look at your sexual relationship and
see if there is disharmony somewhere. Look at the style
of pre love making. Talk with your partner.
Use of garlic can help considerably in such a situation.
Besides taking garlic by mouth, add one tea spoon of
fresh garlic juice to water and douche. If the juice is
fresh, it will play havoc with bacteria in that region.
Use of olive oil, fiber particularly oat bran and
unprocessed carbohydrates cut down on yeast infection and
interfere with fungus conversion. Use unsaturated fatty
acids only. Supplements of vitamin B complex and vitamin
E help in tackling the situation effectively.
Many nutritionists prescribe a local application of
yogurt for a localised infection. Douch with plain sweet
yogurt. Its healthy bacteria will eventually overcome the
bacteria which is creating the problem. If necessary, add
a tea spoon of fresh garlic juice also to the yogurt
before douching.
Another effective way of tackling the problem is to sit
in a hip bath where vinegar or apple cider vinegar have
been added to the water. Spread legs apart so that the
water can easily flow into the vagina for douching.
Following foods may help in this condition:
Yarrow herbal tea
helps in the disorders of the reproductive organs
of women. Itching of the vagina is helped by
washing with a yarrow decoction. For inflammation
of the ovaries, yarrow tea may be taken besides
having a tub bath.
Sweetened amla
(gooseberry) juice, in small quantities, relieves
burning of the vagina. Amla helps in other
gynocological problems also.
Decoction of the
finely ground rind of pomegranates is good for
vaginal and uterus conditions.
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