BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS 

Vaginitis is an irritation of the vagina that can end result in discharge, itching, and pain. The motive is normally a change in the normal stability of vaginal microorganism or an infection. Reduced estrogen stages after menopause and some skin disorders can additionally cause vaginitis.

The most common types of vaginitis are-

Bacterial vaginosis – which results from a change of the everyday bacteria found in your vagina to overgrowth of other organisms. Yeast infections – which are generally caused by a naturally happening fungus known as Candida albicans. Trichomoniasis – which is caused by means of a parasite and is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Symptoms: 

Vaginitis signs and symptoms can include:

Change in color, odor or amount of discharge from your vagina, vaginal itching or irritation, pain at some stage in intercourse, painful urination, light vaginal bleeding or spotting.

If you have vaginal discharge, the traits of the discharge would possibly indicate the type of vaginitis you have. Examples include:

• Bacterial vaginosis: You may develop a grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge. The odor often described as a fishy odor, might be more apparent after sexual intercourse.
• Yeast infection: The primary symptom is itching, however, you would possibly have a white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
• Trichomoniasis: An infection referred to as trichomoniasis can motive a greenish-yellow, sometimes frothy discharge.

Causes:

The cause depends on what type of vaginitis you have:

Bacterial vaginosis. This most common cause of vaginitis outcomes from a change of the regular bacteria located in your vagina, to overgrowth of one of the numerous different organisms. Usually, microorganism usually found in the vagina (lactobacilli) are outnumbered with the aid of different bacteria (anaerobes) in your vagina. If anaerobic bacteria become too numerous, they upset the balance, causing bacterial vaginosis.

This type of vaginitis seems to be linked to sexual intercourse — especially if you have multiple intercourse partners or a new intercourse partner, however, it also occurs in a female who isn’t sexually active.

Yeast infections: These occur when there’s an overgrowth of a fungal organism — typically C. albicans — in your vagina. C. albicans additionally causes infections in other moist areas of your body, such as in your mouth (thrush), pores and skin folds and nail beds. The fungus can additionally motive diaper rash.

Trichomoniasis: This frequent sexually transmitted infection is precipitated through a microscopic, one-celled parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreads all through sexual intercourse with someone who has the infection.

In men, the organism typically infects the urinary tract, however frequently it causes no symptoms. In women, trichomoniasis usually infects the vagina and may motive symptoms. It also increases a women’s danger of getting other sexually transmitted infections.

Noninfectious vaginitis: Vaginal sprays, douches, perfumed soaps, scented detergents, and spermicidal products may also cause an allergic reaction or irritate vulvar and vaginal tissues. Foreign objects, such as tissue paper or forgotten tampons, in the vagina, can additionally irritate vaginal tissues.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy): Reduced estrogen stages after menopause or surgical removal of your ovaries can purpose the vaginal lining to thin, every now and then ensuing in vaginal irritation, burning, and dryness.

Prevention:

Good hygiene might also prevent some kinds of vaginitis from recurring and may additionally relieve some symptoms:

• Avoid baths, warm tubs, and whirlpool spas.
• Avoid irritants: These consist of scented tampons, pads, douches, and scented soaps. Rinse cleaning soap from your outer genital area after a shower, and dry the area well to prevent irritation.
• Don’t use harsh soaps, such as those with deodorant or antibacterial action, or bubble bath.
• Wipe from the front to back after the usage of the toilet: Doing so avoids spreading fecal bacteria to your vagina.
• Don’t douche: Your vagina doesn’t require cleansing other than regular bathing. Repetitive douching disrupts the normal organisms that reside in the vagina and can truly expand your chance of vaginal infection.
• Douching won’t clear up a vaginal infection.
• Use a latex condom: Both male and female latex condoms can also help you avoid infections spread through sexual contact.
• Wear cotton underwear: Also wear pantyhose with a cotton crotch. If you feel relaxed without it, omit wearing undies to bed. Yeast thrives in moist environments.

Some Home Remedies:

Yogurt is a natural probiotic: This means that it has plenty of healthy bacteria in it. Eating yogurt may help introduce healthy bacteria back into the body. This helps establish a balanced vaginal environment and could help fight off the bad bacteria. To get the full benefits, eat at least one serving of yogurt per day.

Garlic: It has strong antibacterial properties, and it’s long been used as a home remedy for bacterial vaginosis. One study found that taking a garlic supplement tablet could be an option for treating bacterial vaginosis.

Hydrogen peroxide: About 1 ounce of hydrogen peroxide used daily for one week as vaginal irrigation was able to help treat bacterial vaginosis as well as traditional medications. It comes with the advantage of a much lower cost than these medications. It also has fewer side effects.

Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help treat bacterial vaginosis.

Essential oils like tea tree oil need to be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut, sweet almond, or olive oil. Choose an oil you know you are not allergic to and mix 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil.

Do not use tea tree oil without mixing it with a carrier oil first as it can burn tender skin.

Many people are allergic to tea tree oil. Before you try this home remedy test a small amount of the diluted oil on your skin before using on your tender vaginal tissue. If there is no reaction in 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.

There are different ways to use tea tree oil to treat bacterial vaginosis, including mixing it with coconut oil (or another carrier oil) and soaking a tampon in it. Insert the tampon into the vagina and remove it after an hour. Remove it sooner if there is any irritation. Repeat this a few times per day. Don’t sleep with a diluted tea tree tampon in place. You can also purchase tea tree oil vaginal suppositories.

Tea tree is an essential oil and not monitored for safety, quality, or purity by the FDA. Make sure to buy it from a reputable source.