Treating Vaginitis
We are beginning to get questions via calls and emails about Vaginitis. It seems there are a ton of complications that we run into that are based upon bacterial overgrowth.
Sounds so ominous doesn’t it? WellVaginitis is the umbrella under which yeast infections are covered. The medical definition of Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. Sounds like a yeast infection to me!
The root cause seems to be an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina and can be exacerbated by a drop in your estrogen level after menopause or a hysterectomy.
The most common types of vaginitis are Bacterial Vaginosis, your run of the mill Yeast Infection, a parasitical STD called Trichomoniasis and Atrophic Vaginitis which is derived from the above referenced menopausal impact.
All of the various types of Vaginitis involve a discharge, some more pronounced than others and other noticeable symptoms may include the requisite itching, burning, but may also be accompanied by painful urination, pain during sex, and you may even encounter some light vaginal bleeding.
Good hygiene may prevent some types of vaginitis from recurring and may relieve some symptoms:
- Avoid baths, hot tubs and whirlpool spas. Rinse soap from your outer genital area after a shower, and dry the area well to prevent irritation. Don’t use scented or harsh soaps, such as those with deodorant or antibacterial action.
- Avoid irritants. These include scented tampons and pads.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Doing so avoids spreading fecal bacteria to your vagina.
Other things that may help prevent vaginitis include:
- Don’t douche. Your vagina doesn’t require cleansing other than normal bathing. Repetitive douching disrupts the normal organisms that reside in the vagina and can actually increase your risk of vaginal infection. Douching won’t clear up a vaginal infection.
- Use a male latex condom. This helps avoid infections spread by sexual contact.
- Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch. If you feel comfortable without it, skip wearing underwear to bed. Yeast thrives in moist environments (plus it might be fun!)
Vaginitis need not be an ongoing problem. You can treat it naturally and take steps to prevent it from reoccurring. I reccommend this natural vaginitis remedy.
