Many women get a vaginal infection sometime during their lifetime. Vaginal infections occur when the conditions are just right, and the symptoms include itching and discharge in the vaginal area. When a woman’s vaginal ecosystem is out of balance, vaginal conditions like Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC), Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or sexually other infections can occur. These infections need correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

My Personal Story

When I was a newlywed, I had my first vaginal infection. I didn’t know what to do about my discomfort, so I went to see a doctor. I returned home with antibiotics. Being on antibiotics started a cycle where I had recurring vaginal infections. I needed to learn about vaginal infections.

Vaginal Infections

A woman’s vaginal ecosystem has Lactobacilli, which break down lactic acid to give a normal vaginal pH of 4.0. This pH creates an environment which is hostile to the growth of pathogenic organisms which cause infections. The Lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide which attaches to anaerobic microflora. Lactobacilli microvilli connect to these vaginal receptors and prevent pathogens from connecting in the vagina. When the pH is off-balance, the conditions are right for different types of vaginal infections such as Vulvovaginal Candidiasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, or other infections.

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVS) is a vaginal infection caused by a fungus called Candida.

• The symptoms include vaginal itching with “cottage cheese” discharge, rash, or fissures, vulvitis, and normal vaginal pH of less than 4.5. A woman can use pH paper to determine your vaginal pH number and then confirm a diagnosis with your health care provider.
• Self-treatment is only recommended for women who have already been diagnosed with VVC, since some women may have a yeast infection.
• Partner treatment may be recommended to prevent recurrence. Recurrent VVC is when there are four or more infections in a year.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most common infection of the vagina.

• BV is suspected when the vaginal pH is greater than 4.7, though trichomoniasis could have that pH number. Your health care provider can use several means to make a diagnosis.
• Alternatively, there are pH kits which can help women decide whether to try an over-the-counter treatment for VVC. This might be considered with a normal vaginal pH of less than 4.5. Seek medical care if pH is greater than or equal to 5.0. A kit which could be purchased to check your vaginal pH is Vagisil Screening Kit (Combe Incorportated).
• All women need treatment.
• In pregnancy, it can result in pre-term labor, premature rupture of membranes, pre-term  birth, intraamniotic infection, or postpartum endometriosis.

Sexually Transmitted Disease

A less-common form of vaginal infection called trichomonias, which is a vaginitis spread through sexual contact.

• The symptoms include vaginal odor, genital itching, and a heavy green or yellow-gray vaginal discharge.
• When the vaginal pH is greater than 4.7, trichomoniasis is a possibility.

Summary

A woman needs to have a diagnosis for the cause of her vaginal infection. Conventional treatments for vaginitis are antibiotics. Once diagnosed, there is a low risk in using alternative treatments for certain types of. Alternative treatments may play a role in preventing recurring infections.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing in the comment section above about your experience with vaginal infections.