-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
reproductive system
vaginitis/leukorrhea
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Vaginitis, an infection or inflammation of the vagina, is a very common ailment of women. Symptoms include an unusual amount of vaginal discharge and vaginal discharge that has an unusual color or odor. Symptoms also include itching or burning around the vagina. Painful urination is often related to vaginitis rather than to a bladder infection.

There are several different causes for vaginitis, including some serious conditions such as venereal disease. Other less severe causes are:

• Irritation due to chemicals (such as in contraceptive foams) or a tampon left too long.
• Vaginal dryness, mainly in menopausal women but also possible in younger women.
• Infections due to bacteria, yeast, or other microbes.

Always consult a physician to find the cause.

Treatment for vaginitis includes removing the cause and improving the condition of the vagina. Cleanse the vagina regularly with clear, non-soapy water, especially after sexual intercourse. Urinating after sex also helps to prevent infections. If the vaginitis is due to irritation, remove the source such as contraceptive foam or perfumed toilet paper and soaps. You may need to change to another type of birth control. Also, consider using pads rather than tampons.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR VAGINITIS AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. Beta-carotene – 200,000 Units per day while symptoms last, then reduce to 100,000 Units per day for 1 month.

2. Vitamin C – 1,000 milligrams 4 times a day.

3. Vitamin E – 400 Units per day.

4. Zinc – 15 milligrams 2 times a day.


REGARDING THE PROPER DIET FOR VAGINITIS:

Avoid sugar and sweets, such as pastries and candies. These upset the acid-base balance of the body, including the vagina, and can lead to infections.


HERBS USED FOR VAGINITIS:

• Echinacea and Golden Seal – These can be taken as a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, using 2 parts Echinacea and 1 part Golden Seal. Take 1 teaspoon, 3 times a day in some water or juice. Or in capsule form, use 2 capsules of Echinacea and 1 capsule of Golden Seal 3 times a day.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A woman with vaginitis should consider avoiding sex for a few days, since this could lead to possible reinfection or irritation of the vaginal tissue.

2. The following douche can be used twice daily:

Betadine solution – Use 1 teaspoon per cup of water. This is used for most types of infections including trichomonas, chlamydia, gardenerella, and candida.

3. In stubborn cases, you can use any of the following:

A) Prepare a douche by making an infusion of 1 part Golden Seal powder,1 part Echinacea, and 2 parts Yarrow flowers. Use 2 tablespoons of the herbal mixture per cup of water. Steep for 20 minutes. This douche is also used against most infections and should be alternated with betadine.

B) White vinegar douche – Use 2 teaspoons of white vinegar per cup of warm water.

C) Boric acid in a capsule can be inserted into the vagina once daily for 7 days.

D) Take garlic by mouth – 2 capsules, 3 times a day. Chopped garlic can be added to a douche solution or used as a suppository by wrapping 1 clove of peeled garlic in white gauze and inserting it into the vagina for 12 hours. Remove sooner if irritation occurs.

E) Lactobacillus powder – Take 1 teaspoon by mouth twice daily. As a douche, use 1 teaspoon per cup of warm water.


HOMEOPATHY:

From the following homeopathic remedies choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue 3 times a day until the symptoms improve.

• Pulsatilla 12C: For white or yellow discharge that is not burning or irritating. This is commonly used for vaginitis during pregnancy.

• Kreosotum 12C: For vaginal discharge that is burning, itching, and foul smelling. The discharge causes an irritation or rawness of the vagina.

• Sepia 12C: This is another remedy for an offensive, smelly discharge and vaginitis before the period. The patient feels an uncomfortable weight or pressure in the lower abdomen, lacks interest in sex, and may be apathetic, indifferent, and moody.

Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for women experiencing chronic or recurrent vaginitis and discharge. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.


OTHER MEASURES FOR VAGINITIS INCLUDE:

1. If vaginitis recurs, it is recommended that the sexual partner also see a physician and be treated.

2. Wear cotton underwear instead of synthetic because it lets the air in and helps keep the skin dry.

3. If you know you have a systemic candida, or yeast, overgrowth in other parts of your body besides the vagina, please refer to the article on intestinal flora imbalance (candida albicans).

4. For menopausal women with vaginitis and vaginal dryness, apply vitamin E oil or progesterone oil twice daily. Also, take 400 Units of vitamin E per day by mouth. If you have other menopausal symptoms, you may want to refer to the article on menopause.

Clinic

Footnotes

BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.