Sitz bath, antihistamine

Some Vaginal Infections

Infection Symptoms Complications Treatment
Bacterial • A thin, white • Pelvic • Clindamycin
vaginosis or gray inflammator
cloudy y disease
discharge • Infection of • Metronidazole
with a fishy the
odor, which membranes
may become around the
stronger after fetus
sexual • Infections of • Tinidazole
intercourse the uterus
or during after
menstrual delivery of a
periods baby or after
an abortion
• Itching and
irritation • Preterm
labor and
delivery
Trichomonas • A usually • Pelvic • Metronidazole
vaginitis profuse, inflammator
greenish y disease
yellow,
frothy, fishy- • Preterm
smelling labor and • Tinidazole
discharge delivery
• Itching and
soreness

• Pain during
sexual
intercourse
and urination
Yeast infection • Thick, white, No serious • Butoconazole
(candidiasis) clumpy complications
discharge
(like cottage • Clotrimazole
cheese)
• Moderate to
severe • Fluconazole
itching and
burning (but
not always) • Miconazole
 • Redness and
swelling of • Terconazole
the genital
area

• Tioconazole

Symptoms

Typically, vaginal infections produce a vaginal discharge. This discharge differs from a
normal one because it is accompanied by itching, redness, and sometimes burning or
soreness in the genital area. A discharge may have a fishy odor. The appearance and
amount of the discharge tend to vary depending on the cause. However, different
disorders sometimes cause similar discharges.

Itching may interfere with sleep. Some infections can make sexual intercourse painful
and make urination painful and more frequent. Rarely, the folds of skin around the
vaginal and urethral openings become stuck together. However, sometimes symptoms are
mild or do not occur.

Diagnosis

Girls or women who have a vaginal discharge with itching or who have other vaginal
symptoms should see a doctor. To determine the cause, the doctor asks questions about
the discharge (if present), about possible causes of the symptoms, and about hygiene.
Questions may include the following:

• Have lotions or creams (including home remedies) been used to try to relieve the
symptoms?
• When did the discharge begin?
• Was the discharge accompanied by itching, burning, pain, or a sore in the genital
area?
• When do symptoms occur in relation to the menstrual period?
• Does the discharge come and go, or is it always present?
• Has an abnormal discharge occurred before, and if so, how did it respond to
treatment?
• What kind of birth control has been and is being used?
• Is pain felt during sexual intercourse?
• Has the woman had previous vaginal infections?
• Does the sex partner have symptoms?
The doctor also asks about the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases. This
information helps the doctor determine whether other people require treatment.

A pelvic examination is done. While examining the vagina, the doctor takes a sample of
the discharge (if present) with a cotton-tipped swab. The sample is examined under a
microscope. With this information, the doctor can usually determine whether the cause is
bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis, or a yeast infection. Usually, the doctor also
uses a swab to take a sample of fluid from the cervix. The sample is tested for sexually
transmitted diseases.

To determine whether there are other infections in the pelvis, the doctor checks the uterus
and ovaries by inserting the index and middle fingers of one gloved hand into the vagina
and pressing on the outside of the lower abdomen with the other hand. If this maneuver
causes substantial pain or if a fever is present, other infections may be present.

Prevention

Keeping the genital area clean and dry can help prevent infections. Washing every day
with a mild, nonscented soap (such as glycerin soap) and rinsing and drying thoroughly
are recommended. Wiping front to back after urinating or defecating prevents bacteria
from the anus from being moved to the vagina. Young girls should be taught good
hygiene.

Wearing loose, absorbent clothing, such as cotton or cotton-lined underpants, allows air
to circulate and helps keep the genital area dry. Douching frequently and using medicated
douches are discouraged. Douching can remove normal, protective bacteria from the
vagina and reduce the acidity of the vagina, making infections, including pelvic
inflammatory disease, more likely. Practicing sex safe and limiting the number of sex
partners are important preventive measures.

Treatment

Measures used for prevention, such as keeping the genital area clean and dry, also help
treat infections. Strong or scented soaps and unnecessary topical products (such as
feminine hygiene sprays) should be avoided. Occasionally placing ice packs on the
genital area, applying cool compresses, or sitting in a cool sitz bath (with or without
baking soda or Epsom salts) may reduce soreness and itching. A sitz bath is taken in the
sitting position with the water covering only the genital and rectal area. Flushing the
genital area with lukewarm water squeezed from a water bottle may also provide relief.

If these measures do not relieve symptoms, drugs may be needed. For itching, a
corticosteroid cream (such as hydrocortisone

) can sometimes be applied to the vulva but not in the vagina. Antihistamines taken by
mouth help relieve itching. They also cause drowsiness and may be useful if symptoms
interfere with sleep.
Specific treatment depends on the cause.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

It is estimated that over 75% of women suffer from vaginal yeast infection at least once
in their lifetime. It is a minor problem that is cured within a couple of days for some, and
some women are known to suffer from this fungus for years. It has been noticed that
women who have vaginal yeast infection for years have usually not seeked medical help,
neither have they tried out any proper home remedy to eradicate the fungus.

Some symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are

-- An unusual thick, odorless, whitish vaginal discharge
-- Unexplained pain during sexual intercourse
-- Uncontrollable itching and a burning sensation in the vagina and the skin surrounding
the vagina (vulva).
-- Unexplained swelling of the vulva.
-- Burning sensation during urination.

If you suspect that you have vaginal yeast infection and it is the first time, it is advised
that you visit your gynecologist and get it checked. It may be some more serious type of
vaginal infection or vaginal inflammation such as trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis.

Home Remedies for Treating Yeast Infection

Vaginal yeast infection can either be cured orally or by vaginal insertion. Most of these
home remedies have been tried and tested for their efficacy. You can usually cure
yourself in the privacy of your home without the need to visit your gynecologist.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a known natural antifungal. Pour a few drops of undiluted tea tree oil on a
tampon and insert into vagina. Do this morning and night. A couple of days should be
sufficient.

Garlic
Make a paste of garlic pods and apply to skin around the vagina. It may burn a bit, but is
very effective. This paste can be used for yeast infection in other parts of the body too.
Another way to use garlic for the cure of vaginal yeast infection is to cut a few garlic
pods fine and wrap it in a cheesecloth. Insert into vagina for about 20 minutes leaving
part of cheesecloth hanging out for easy removal.

Yogurt
Dip a tampon in yogurt and insert in vagina. Do this twice a day, once in the morning and
at night till symptoms go away. Another way is to take a tablespoon of yogurt and inset
into vagina. This is best done at night just before going to bed. Regular douching with
yogurt has proved effective. Along with these cures it is also advised to eat plenty of
yogurt. It is good for your entire system and will cure the fungus too. Buttermilk gives
good results too. Drink a glass of buttermilk in the afternoon, and one at night.

Honey
This is probably the most sticky and uncomfortable way of curing vaginal yeast infection,
but it is said to work wonders. Take half a cup of honey into the bathroom. Pour a liberal
amount of honey on all affected portions, while sitting on the toilet seat. Be seated this
way for about 20 minutes. After this you can have a bath with warm water. Dry the
vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. You will feel much better. Do this
twice a day, morning and just before going to bed at night.

Vinegar
Vinegar is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Fill a bathtub with
warm water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar. Soak in this bath solution for about 20 minutes.
Dry the vaginal area thoroughly using super absorbent paper. Any vinegar will do, but the
best results have been found using apple cider vinegar.

Precautions to Avoid Yeast Infection

Prevention is better than cure. Taking these precautions will ensure that you do not suffer
from vaginal yeast infection.

-- Avoid wearing clothing made of synthetic material.

-- Avoid wearing leotards and pantyhose daily.
-- Avoid wearing tight fitting panties.
-- Avoid wearing tight jeans daily.
-- Avoid remaining in wet clothes for too long.
-- Wear clothes made of natural fibers.
-- Wear well fitting cotton panties.
-- Change wet clothes immediately to dry ones. Wipe yourself clean, especially the
vaginal area with super absorbent paper.
-- Avoid using sprays and perfumes in the genital area. Also stay away from deodorant
sanitary pads and tampons.
-- After using the toilet always wipe from front to back, never back to front.

Following all of these should ensure that you never have to suffer and treat yourself for
vaginal yeast infection ever again.

By Kevin Mathias