VAGINAL INFECTIONS
MOST WOMEN GET A VAGINAL INFECTION at least once - but how many of them talk about it? A few years ago you couldn't bring up such a topic on television, but now there are commercials for vaginal creams.
What causes vaginal infections and the burning and itching that accompany them? It can be anything that disrupts the normal pH of the vagina: tampons, spermicidal creams and gels, IUDs, douches, stray faeces or even sex. Antibiotics are common culprits, because, while they're combating bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, they tend to kill off the beneficial microbes that keep the vaginal environment healthy. Other factors that can predispose a woman to vaginal infections include heavy sugar intake, postmenopausal hormonal changes, hormone replacement therapy, diabetes, pregnancy and oral contraceptives.
The most common vaginal infections are:
• Yeast infections, caused by the yeast organism Candida albicans. Once
you've had one of these, you seldom forget the symptoms - white curdish discharge
and a miserable itch. If you are experiencing your first yeast infection, however,
it's a good idea to consult a doctor for a diagnosis so you'll know your own
symptoms in case of a recurrence.
• Trichomoniasis, caused by a protozoan. This infection produces yellowish
discharge and a burning itch, occasionally accompanied by frequent, burning urination.
• Bacterial vaginosis, another common vaginal infection, often caused by
the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. This infection can spread to the uterus
and fallopian tubes. It's usually accompanied by a thin, grey or greenish discharge.
COMMON AND HARMLESS, OR CAUSE FOR CONCERN?
Although there may be several competing brands of over-the-counter yeast infection
cures, it's important to be sure what kind of vaginal infection you have. Why?
Some infections can be transmitted sexually, so your parther could inadvertently
reinfect you. And some micro-organisms can travel up the fallopian tubes, causing
painful pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can have an impact on fertility
and future health.
IF INFECTIONS KEEP COMING BACK
For recurring vaginal infections, your immune system needs a different type of
help than echinacea. Think of echinacea as high-octane gasoline for your body's
disease-fighting engine. It helps the machine rev fast and hard, but it doesn't
fix accumulated wear and tear - in fact, it can worsen it.
If yeast or other vaginal infections keep coming back, your best bet is to see your doctor, then see a natural health practitioner who'll recommend a herbal tonic programme that you'll use for a series of months. It will probably include herbs such as astragalus, reishi, shiitake, nettles or burdock -botanicals that gently and gradually rebuild the immune system and the many organs it involves. Such a programme will probably include some diet changes as well, such as cutting down on caffeine and sugar.
It's a lot of work, but following a herbal tonic programme faithfully is likely to do more for your health than just curing infections. You may find yourself losing weight, gaining energy and responding to stress better than before your recurring infections began.
DRUG TREATMENT
Antifungal Creams
Nystatin (Nystan), miconazole (Femeron), clotrimazole (Canesten, Masnoderm).
Function: soothe irritated tissues and kill offending micro-organisms. Side
effects: itching, burning and skin rash.
Antibacterial Creams and' Gels
Clindamycin (Dalacin), metronidazole (Zidoval). Function: kill organisms
that cause bacterial vaginosis. Side effects: itching and burning on the
skin, rash, ringing in the ears, diarrhoea.
Oral Antibiotics
Clindamycin (Dalacin C), metronidazole (Flagyl). Function: eliminate protozoa
or bacteria that can cause vaginitis. Clindamycin side effects: ringing
in the ears. Metronidazole side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, headache, increased
sensitivity to alcohol.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is the premier antibacterial and antifungal herb. When taken internally,
it helps fight vaginal infections no matter what their cause may be. Many
naturopathic doctors also suggest using a whole,
peeled garlic clove as a suppository. Typical dosage: one or more fresh garlic
cloves added to food per day; or up to three 500- to 600-milligram capsules
daily. Look for products that deliver at least 5,000 micrograms of allicin
daily.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)
This herb is an immune supercharger that enhances the action of white blood
cells and other specialised infection-fighters throughout your body. If your
infection is a sudden one, not one that keeps recurring, echinacea can help
your body mobilise its defences to fight it. Typical dosage: up to nine 300-
to 400-milligram capsules per day; or up to 60 drops of tincture three times
per day.
Oregon Graperoot (Berberis aquifolium)
This herb contains berberine, one of the best botanical infectionfighters.
Suppositories and creams containing Oregon graperoot are available over the
counter at natural food stores. The herb can also be taken internally as
part of your immune-system regimen. Typical dosage: 15 to 30 drops of tincture
once per day. Caution: do not use if you're pregnant.
Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)
This is a South American tree with a reputation for combating yeast infections.
Its bark has long been widely available in prepackaged teas and combination
products. Typical dosage: up to four 500- to 600-milligram capsules, or
nine 300milligram capsules,
per day; or 20 to 50 drops of tincture up to four times per day; or two to
three cups of tea per day (simmer 2 to 3 teaspoons of inner bark in 450 to
680 millilitres of water for 15 minutes, then divide into two or three doses).
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal is another of the berberine-containing bacteria- and yeastfighting
herbs. It also stimulates digestion and the liver's secretion of bile. If
you've taken antibiotics to fight an infection, your liver is responsible
for clearing residues of these drugs from your body. Typical dosage: up to
six 500- or 600-milligram capsules per day; or 20 to 50 drops of tincture
once daily. Caution: do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
As long as you're taking care of your liver, add some of these liverrepairing
seeds to your regimen. They've been shown to protect it and stimulate its
own capacity to generate new cells, especially important after a round
of antibiotics. Typical dosage: 140 milligrams of standardised silymarin
extract three times per day; or 10 to 25 drops of tincture up to three
times per day.
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Essential oil made from the leaves of this tree contains a potent antifungal
agent. It is so strong that for vaginal infections and itching, it's best
to seek it as an ingredient in manufactured products. Use according to
manufacturer's instructions.
