Most women have had a vaginal infection. Typically, the infection itself was not serious, but was such an irritation that it required treatment.
Women normally have a vaginal discharge; it is odorless and does not cause any irritation. The amount and consistency of the discharge varies throughout the month, reflecting hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle and/or medications and emotions.
Some cases of certain types of vaginal infections are fairly straightforward. That is, we know that they result from intimate contact with someone who carries the organism though he may not have symptoms. Gonorrhea, monilia (yeast), and trichomonal vaginitis are examples.
Other types of vaginitis most likely have several causes, and those causes are not always clear. Perhaps bacteria which can live quietly in one portion of the body will, upon being introduced into the vagina, cause infections; or will, due to changes in the menstrual cycle, or medications, or possibly emotions, over produce at the expense of others and cause infection. This could explain why women who are on the Pill or who are pregnant have more frequent vaginal infections.
The following are some suggestions that many women have found helpful for preventing some types of vaginal infections.
KEEP THE NUMBER OF FRIENDLY ORGANISMS UP TO HELP FIGHT INFECTION
1. When washing the vaginal area, use mild non-deodorant soaps and try never to get soap into your vagina, it can burn and irritate. Soaps also leave a film, so be sure to rinse well. You may occasionally use Micatin Powder which is an antifungal and sold over the counter.
2. Use showers instead of baths. This will keep you from sitting in dirty, soapy water. Use a hair dryer to dry your pubic hair, particularly if you will be getting fully dressed (i.e. panties, stockings, slip, and skirt).
3. Avoid douching and feminine soaps, sprays and suppositories.
4. Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight fitting pants or pantyhose. Infection causing organisms like to grow in dark, warm, moist areas. Tight fitting clothes hold the body moisture in and create an incubator for organisms. Wearing clothes while they dry, such as bathing suits, will also cause the incubator effect and should be avoided.
5. Keep the bacteria where they belong and are friendly. For instance, organisms in the bowel or large intestine belong there, but when they are in the vagina they can cause an infection. So, wipe yourself from front to back so that the bacteria from the rectum are not transferred to the vagina.
6. Use water soluble jelly (not Vaseline), contraceptive jelly or cream, or foam, if lubrication is needed during intercourse. These are easier to wash off and are not left as reservoirs for organisms to grow.
7. Limit number of sexual contacts. Use of a condom can provide extra protection. If
your partner is uncircumcised, be sure that he washes the entire area under his
foreskin daily.
8. Empty your bladder as soon after sex as possible to wash out the sperm and your vaginal secretions that could have traveled into the opening to your bladder (it is just above the opening to your vagina).
9. Do not add organisms to your body by using someone else’s clothes, towels, or washcloths that have not been cleaned.
10. If you use tampons during your period, be sure to change them often. Blood that
stays in your vagina is a good place for germs to overgrow and cause an infection.
A condition called “Toxic Shock Syndrome” has been associated with the use of tampons in some women. If during or just after your period you develop the following symptoms, call us immediately:
rash fever (102 or higher)
dizziness muscle aches
diarrhea nausea/vomiting
KEEP THE BODY HEALTHY SO IT CAN FIGHT OR RESIST INFECTION
1. Balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate rest….sound familiar?
2. Limit the sugar and carbohydrates you eat. An excess of sugar and carbohydrates changes the vaginal secretions and makes them a good place for organisms to grow.
3. Do eat yogurt, particularly if you are taking antibiotics. The antibiotic does not know the difference between helpful and harmful organisms and will kill both. The Lactobacillus Acidophilus in the yogurt will replace the helpful organisms.
4. Never use someone else’s medicine.
EFFECTIVE AND COMPLETE THERAPY TO CURE INFECTION
1. Use the medication for the number of days on the instructions, even if you start to feel better.
2. Use a panty liner or pad to absorb the medicine if needed. Do not use a tampon.
3. Have your partner use a condom during treatment of your infection.
4. Use the vaginal cream even though you have a period.
