Home Remedies for Vaginitis

Home Remedies for Vaginitis 

The overall health of your vagina is important regardless of your level of sexual activity. However, many women do not think about their genitals aside from specific reproductive or sexual health concerns. This app provides information all women (regardless of sexual activity) should have about ensuring the health of their vaginas.

What’s normal?

A healthy vagina is rich with small, beneficial bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria help prevent other organisms from infecting the vagina and assist in maintaining the vagina’s normal, mildly-acidic, environment. When the balance is maintained, the vagina will usually have a mild, slightly pungent or earthy odor (not unpleasant), and there will be occasional small amounts of clear- to-white discharge that may look yellow when it dries on underpants. Around the time of ovulation, usually about two weeks after the first day of a woman’s period, there is often a noticeable increase in discharge for a few days, and this discharge (comprised of cervical mucous) may be very stretchy and copious.

What’s not?

Unhealthy vaginal discharge may cause an unpleasant odor, burning, itching, or irritation of the vulva or vagina. There are many causes of these conditions, and a specific diagnosis is needed for appropriate treatment. If your discharge is associated with severe abdominal pain, pain with urination, or a fever, seek immediate medical care.

How would I know if I had a vaginal infection?


You might notice:

• itching, burning or soreness around the vaginal area 

• an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge or an unusual or unpleasant smell 

• pain on passing urine 

• painful intercourse 


If you have any of these symptoms you could have one of the vaginal conditions described below:

Vaginitis and Its Treatment

Vaginitis is a term used to describe any inflammation of the vagina. Infections are the most common cause, but inflammation and irritation can also be caused by trauma or allergy to products such as latex, spermicide, and other vaginal preparations. Clinical examination is typically necessary to help determine the cause.

Common infections

The three most common vaginal infections are

Candida vagintis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. It is often not possible to determine which you have without an examination.

Yeast Infection (candida vaginitis)

Yeast infection: Candida vaginitis, caused
by several species of fungi, is often called a “yeast” or monilial infection. These fungi are normally present in the vagina in very small amounts and do not usually cause problems. On occasion, however, they can overgrow and cause symptoms, such as itching, redness on the vulva, and/or a thick white to yellow cottage cheese-like discharge. A common trigger for Candida vaginitis is recent antibiotic use, as this can kill off the normal healthy lactobacilli and allow the fungi to overgrow. Anything that increases the warmth and moisture of the vulvar area can also encourage yeast growth, so it is important to keep the area as cool and dry as possible.

Treatment: Candidal infections are usually easy to treat with an over-the-counter vaginal an fungal cream, such as Monistat (clotrimazole). Various preparations are available. Some women may experience irritation or recurrence of their infection after using a one-day preparation, so a 5–7 day treatment regimen is usually safest and most effective. There is also an oral pill available by prescription (i.e., Diflucan) which is taken as a single dose and is usually highly effective. If you use a non-prescription remedy for a “yeast” infection and the symptoms do not resolve or they recur, please come in for a clinician visit. You may have a resistant candidal infection or perhaps a different type of infection altogether.

Sexual partners rarely need to be treated for yeast unless they are symptomatic. Be aware that vaginal creams can weaken condoms and cause them to break.

If your period begins while using intravaginal medication (e.g., for yeast infections), continue using the medication, but do not use tampons until your treatment is complete. During the time that you are using these medications it is best to avoid sexual intercourse or other penetrative sex.

Bacterial Vaginosis

This is sometimes called BV or Gardnerella, and is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that keep the vagina healthy. When this happens, the normal acidity of the vagina changes and some women will notice an unpleasant strong, shy smell and a white or grey watery discharge.

Like Candidal vaginitis, this infection is caused by an overgrowth of organisms that are usually present in the vagina in very small numbers, but in this case they are bacteria rather than fungi. These unhealthy bacteria tend to grow in numbers when the vaginal pH balance is upset to become more alkaline than normal. At a higher pH (less acidic), the normal lactobacilli cannot live, and these other bacteria take over, sometimes causing a fishy odor, vaginal irritation, burning with urination, and a thin whitish-gray discharge. The rise in pH can be caused by a primary loss of the lactobacilli, or exposure to alkaline fluids such as menstrual blood and semen.

Treatment

There are several different treatment options using either oral antibiotic tablets or vaginal antibiotic cream or gel. You may need to avoid alcohol when you are taking the antibiotics as this combination may cause severe nausea and vomiting.

Aci-Jel Therapeutic Vaginal Jelly® is an acidic jelly for the vagina, which is available from chemists without a prescription. It can be used to help correct the acid balance of the vagina. Some women find it useful in reducing the recurrence of this infection.

Douching should be avoided.

Bacterial vaginosis is treated with special antibiotics, either taken orally or via vaginal applicators. When taken orally, the antibiotic most commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis can cause side effects such as a bad taste in the mouth and upset stomach. Alcohol cannot be consumed during the length of treatment. A vaginal gel, applied via applicator nightly for five days, has many fewer side effects and is absorbed easily by the body (no messy discharge the next day). In rare cases, the sexual partner may need to be treated as well.

Trichomoniasis

This infection is caused by a small parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can be carried by both men and women and is almost always sexually transmitted.

Trichomonas vaginitis is a protozoan that can infect the vagina and urethra and, unlike Candida and BV, is typiically sexually-transmitted. Male partners often do not have symptoms. In women, trich often causes a copious “frothy” yellow-gray discharge, an unpleasant odor, and vulvar irrita on. Onset of symptoms from the time of infectiom can be from 2 days to several months, so it is sometimes difficult to know when the initial exposure occurred.

It may also be possible to pick it up from objects contaminated with semen or vaginal discharge such as shared sex toys. Most men and about half the women who carry this infection have no symptoms at all.

When women have symptoms they may notice a thin, frothy vaginal discharge, with an unpleasant fishy smell. The vagina may be sore and itchy, and some women notice a burning sensation when they pass urine. The infection is diagnosed by a special swab test or by looking for the parasites under a microscope.

Treatment

Trichomonas is treated with a short course of antibiotic tablets prescribed by a doctor. It is important that all sexual partners are treated at the same time to avoid re- infection. You should avoid alcohol while you are being treated since it can cause severe nausea or vomiting when combined with this treatment.

Home Remedies for Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a general term for inflammation of the vagina and vulva. The most common types of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, trichomoniasis and vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis).

A change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or a vaginal infection usually causes vaginitis. It can also happen after menopause due to reduced estrogen levels in the body. Other causes include excess use of vaginal sprays, douches, soaps, scented detergents and spermicidal products.

Factors that put you at an increased risk of developing vaginitis are hormonal changes, uncontrolled diabetes, side effects of certain medications, douching, poor hygiene, wearing damp or tight-fitting clothing and using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.

The symptoms of vaginitis vary depending upon the cause. Common symptoms include vaginal itching, abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, pain or burning during urination, discomfort during intercourse and vaginal bleeding or spotting.

There are several ways to reduce your chances of getting vaginitis as well as treating the problem. Home remedies can help ease discomforts and promote quick recovery.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for vaginitis.

1. Yogurt

Probiotic yogurt that contains active cultures is one of the best home remedies for vaginitis. Studies have shown that yogurt containing the ‘good’ bacteria, lactobacilli, helps fight off bad bacteria.

It also helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance. All these factors provide relief from the various discomforts.

• Dip a tampon in yogurt and put it in your vagina for a couple of hours. Repeat twice daily until the symptoms completely disappear
• Also, include plain yogurt daily in your diet.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

The acidic property of apple cider vinegar helps regulate the pH of your vagina to a healthy level. A proper pH level automatically maintains a balance of good and bad bacteria.

In addition, it can even control a yeast or bacterial infection.

• Add 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and use it to wash your vagina twice daily for a few days.
• Also, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little raw honey to a glass of warm water and drink it twice daily.

3. Cold Compress

You can control inflammation caused by vaginitis with a cold compress. The cold temperature helps numb the area, providing relief from itching, pain and other discomforts.

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and tie it together.
• Put this compress on your vagina for 1 minute.
• Take a break for 1 minute and reapply it.
• Repeat for a few more minutes.
• Use this remedy as needed.

You can also rinse the vaginal area with cold water a few times a day.

4. Garlic

The antibacterial and mild antiseptic qualities of garlic help treat vaginitis. It can treat both bacterial and yeast infections that cause vaginitis. In addition, garlic gives a boost to your immune system to help your body fight any infection.

• Mix 4 or 5 drops of garlic oil with ½ teaspoon each of vitamin E oil and coconut oil. Apply it on the affected area twice daily for a few days.
• Eat a few cloves of raw garlic daily and use it in your daily cooking.
• Alternatively, you can take 300 mg of garlic supplements daily for a few days. However, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any supplement.

5. Boric Acid

Boric acid is a great remedy to get rid of the discomforts of vaginitis. Its antiseptic and antifungal properties help reduce itching, pain and irritation. In addition, it helps cleanse the vagina and restore its pH level.

According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health, boric acid can be a safe, alternative, economic option for women with recurrent and chronic symptoms of vaginitis.

• Put some boric acid powder inside an empty gel capsule.
• Insert this capsule in your vagina before going to bed.
• The next morning, wash the area thoroughly with warm water.
• Repeat once or twice a week.

Note: Do not use this remedy if you are pregnant.

6. Chamomile

Another quick treatment for vaginal inflammation is chamomile. The soothing and relaxing nature of this herb can help reduce swelling as well as pain, burning sensations and itching.

• Steep a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water for a few minutes.
• Remove the tea bag and put it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
• Hold the tea bag inside your vagina.
• Squeeze the tea bag so that the water reaches the inflamed vaginal canals.

Use this remedy 1 or 2 times daily until the inflammation subsides.

7. Hydrogen Peroxide

When it comes to treating vaginitis, hydrogen peroxide is an effective treatment. This natural disinfecting agent helps control growth of bad bacteria in your vagina.

In addition, it can even reduce inflammation, pain and itching. Use only 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to treat vaginitis.

• Prepare a solution with equal amounts of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water.
• Use it to wash your vagina, wait 10 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
• Do this once or twice daily for a few days.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can also help relieve vaginitis symptoms. It contains natural antibacterial and antifungal compounds that help treat infections. It even helps combat vaginal odor.

• Add 4 or 5 drops of tree tea oil to a small bowl of warm water.
• Stir thoroughly and use it to rinse your vagina.
• Do this once daily for a few days.

Note: Pregnant women should not use this remedy.

9. Build Your Immunity

A strong immunity can reduce the risk of developing vaginitis by helping your body fight off infections.

• Follow a well-balanced diet with an adequate amount of vitamins A and C, zinc, selenium and iron to build immunity.
• Eat immune-boosting foods, such as oranges, green tea, ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, mushrooms, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, beans, broccoli and strawberries.
• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
• Maintain an adequate amount of vitamin D in your body by exposing yourself to early morning sunlight for 15 minutes daily.
• Get proper rest and enjoy sound sleep daily.
• Exercise for 30 minutes, 5 times a week.
• Keep a positive outlook toward life.

10. Maintain Vaginal Hygiene

Good hygiene can help prevent vaginitis. It also helps relieve some of the symptoms and promotes quick recovery.

• Change your underwear daily and wash them in hot water.
• Dry your underwear under direct sunlight from time to time.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants or skirts. Do not wear tight-fitting underwear.
• Avoid panty liners and underwear made from synthetic fiber.
• Avoid excess washing and rinsing out of the vagina.
• Avoid douching, taking baths with bubble bath or soap, and using soap to wash the genital area.
• Avoid using perfumed toilet papers and feminine hygiene products.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Change out of wet clothes like swimsuits as soon as possible.