Vaginitis
DEFINITION
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina; it is
characterised by vaginal discharge and burning, itching redness,
and swelling of vaginal tissues. Pain often occurs with urination
and with sexual intercourse. There are three general types of
vaginitis- atrophic, irritant and infectious.
characterised by vaginal discharge and burning, itching redness,
and swelling of vaginal tissues. Pain often occurs with urination
and with sexual intercourse. There are three general types of
vaginitis- atrophic, irritant and infectious.
DESCRIPTION
The 3 types of Vaginitis include:
Atrophic (Hormonal) Vaginitis
This can occur in post menopausal and hysterectomised women
due to hormonal changes and deficiencies. A decrease in oestrogen
can lead to the formation of adhesions, painful sex, infection,
itching and a burning, watery discharge.
due to hormonal changes and deficiencies. A decrease in oestrogen
can lead to the formation of adhesions, painful sex, infection,
itching and a burning, watery discharge.
Irritant Vaginitis
Soaps, bath oils, vaginal deodorants can irritate and damage
the delicate walls of the vagina. The physical action of sexual
intercourse can also irritate the vagina.
the delicate walls of the vagina. The physical action of sexual
intercourse can also irritate the vagina.
Infectious Vaginitis
Bacterial infections, such as the sexually transmitted
gardnerella, cause inflammation and a watery, greyish, fishy odour.
Viral infections, such as the sexually transmitted genital herpes,
cause painful ulcers in the vagina and surrounding areas. Chlamydia
is another sexually transmitted disease. It is usually asymptomatic
but can cause inflammation with a discharge. Fungal infections such
as Candida albicans produce a thick, cheesy discharge which may
cause inflammation, itching and a yeasty odour.
gardnerella, cause inflammation and a watery, greyish, fishy odour.
Viral infections, such as the sexually transmitted genital herpes,
cause painful ulcers in the vagina and surrounding areas. Chlamydia
is another sexually transmitted disease. It is usually asymptomatic
but can cause inflammation with a discharge. Fungal infections such
as Candida albicans produce a thick, cheesy discharge which may
cause inflammation, itching and a yeasty odour.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment.
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment.
A prescription is usually given for a vaginal cream or
tablets.
tablets.
DIET HINTS
The diet should be high in fresh fruits and vegetables as well
as wholegrain cereals. Include more protein foods in the diet. Some
examples are peas, beans, kidney beans and lentils, as well as lean
meats, chicken and fish. This provides a wide range of nutrients
and ample fibre. A high fibre diet provides the correct environment
for ‘good’ bacteria to thrive in the bowel.
as wholegrain cereals. Include more protein foods in the diet. Some
examples are peas, beans, kidney beans and lentils, as well as lean
meats, chicken and fish. This provides a wide range of nutrients
and ample fibre. A high fibre diet provides the correct environment
for ‘good’ bacteria to thrive in the bowel.
FOODS TO AVOID
It has been suggested that the patient should eat no refined
carbohydrates. These foods include white flour, sugar, cakes,
biscuits and sugary drinks. Sugars can become food for the candida
organism. Fish oils and cold pressed vegetable oils contain the
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are thought to have
anti-inflammatory properties.
carbohydrates. These foods include white flour, sugar, cakes,
biscuits and sugary drinks. Sugars can become food for the candida
organism. Fish oils and cold pressed vegetable oils contain the
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are thought to have
anti-inflammatory properties.
Other foods to avoid are the yeast containing foods where
there are signs of food allergy or reactions. These foods may cause
a cross-reaction when the immune system is already reacting to the
candida infection. Cheese, bread made with yeast, alcohol, grapes,
raisins and unpeeled fruits all contain yeast. Low fat milk,
unsweetened yoghurt and eggs may be added to the diet.
there are signs of food allergy or reactions. These foods may cause
a cross-reaction when the immune system is already reacting to the
candida infection. Cheese, bread made with yeast, alcohol, grapes,
raisins and unpeeled fruits all contain yeast. Low fat milk,
unsweetened yoghurt and eggs may be added to the diet.
- Drink at least 2 litres of filtered water a day. Keep tea and
coffee to a minimum. - Avoid alcohol and cigarettes.
- Garlic has a natural antibiotic action and may be useful for
infectious Vaginitis. - Acidophilus yoghurt will help to re-establish the correct
environment in the bowel.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
- Vitamin C can provide immune system support.
- Echinacea is believed to enhance immune function and to have
antifungal properties. - Acidophilus a probiotic supplement such as Lactobacillus
acidophilus can fight yeast overgrowth. - Garlic can counteract yeast infections and improve immune
system defences. - Golden seal may be beneficial if used as a douche for vaginal
infections. - Oregano Oil has potent anti-funcal actions and can be very
useful for women who have recurrent vaginal yeast infections due to
systemic candidiasis. - Pau d’arco has anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal action which
can be effective in restoring the vagina to a normal state. Pau
d’arco tea is often used as a douche for vaginal yeast
infections. - Tea tree oil may shorten the course of vaginal infections on
organisms Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis. Tea tree oil
vaginal suppositories can be used for vaginal yeast
infections.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints
- Your Pharmacist may suggest a whirling spray or a douche if
required. Candida will sometimes be inhibited by increasing the
acidity of the vagina using a weak solution of vinegar in a
whirling spray. - Avoid using fragrant and artificial soaps.
- Wear loose cotton clothing and underwear to keep the genitals
cool and well ventilated. Women prone to thrush should avoid
wearing pantihose. - Do not use tampons.
- Your Pharmacist may suggest a local anaesthetic cream to be
applied on the outside if there is any itching. - Consider some supplements if the diet is inadequate.
Acidophilus helps promote the bacteria which normally keep the
candida organism under control.
