Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina, caused by a disruption in the normal bacteria in the vagina. Experts estimate that 40% of all types of vaginitis are caused by candida, a yeast-like fungus. When it multiplies in the vaginal tract, the disorder is called vulvovaginitis. Women often refer to it as a "yeast infection." About 75% of women get candida vaginitis at some time in their lives. Vaginal candida does not generally occur without estrogen. So premenarchal girls and postmenopausal women not on estrogen replacement almost never develop vaginal yeast.
Candida is a yeast-like fungus that grows in the vagina. The following increase your chance of getting a yeast infection:
Your doctor will give you a pelvic examination and swab your vagina to check for candida. You may also have a Pap smear. Some women have chronic yeast infections. If this happens, your doctor may want to do additional tests.
Doctors usually recommend topical treatments before oral medications. For chronic infections, your doctor may increase the dosage and length of treatment. If you have vaginitis, you can also help prevent infection.
Topical and oral therapies are equally effective.
Topical therapies may initially cause burning from inflammation. These include:
Oral therapies include:
Alternative therapies may help treat acute and chronic vaginitis. Make sure to inform your doctor about any herbs and supplements you are taking. Experienced practitioners may recommend douches, suppositories, and topical treatments with ingredients such as vinegar, tea tree oil, yogurt, or boric acid. Discuss these treatments with your doctor, as scientific evidence to support their use is lacking.
These nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms.
You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:
Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your doctor to diagnose your problem before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. (5 grams) herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted. Some herbs can interfere with medications. So talk to your doctor first before beginning an herbal therapy.
Some of the most common remedies for vaginitis are listed below. Usually, the dose is 3 to 5 pellets of a 12X - 30C remedy every 1 to 4 hours until your symptoms get better.
Acupuncture may help improve immune function.
To prevent recurrence of infection:
Recurrent signs and symptoms of vaginitis may be an indication of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). See your doctor if you are suffering from recurrent infections.
HIV acquisition is increased among women with vaginitis. So prompt and effective treatment is critical. Yeast infections occur twice as often during pregnancy due to hormone fluctuations. The vagina may also be affected by skin conditions, or dermatoses. Diagnosis and treatment of these conditions is difficult because of the poor visibility in the vagina, and a lack of appropriate medications that are safe for use in the vagina.
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Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by the A.D.A.M Editorial team.
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