Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal Discharge Can Be Normal
For the most part, it is normal to have some vaginal discharge. And depending on where you’re at in your cycle, you may have more or less.
Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Inside your vagina and cervix, fluid is secreted to help clean everything out and keep it healthy.
Your vagina’s normal odors and discharge are not something to be ashamed of, covered up, douched away, or perfumed.
Causes
Vaginal Infections:
-
STD Infections that spread during sexual contact.
-
These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma.
-
-
Vaginal yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida.
-
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes a gray discharge with a fishy odor.
-
Having sex can increase your risk of getting BV (though it is not an STD).
-
Oral sex can also increase your risk of getting BV.
-
Other causes of vaginal discharge and itching may be:
-
Menopause and low estrogen levels.
-
Forgotten tampon or foreign body.
-
Detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, creams, douches, soaps.
-
Ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovary in the middle of the menstrual cycle).
-
Pregnancy.
-
Sexual excitement.
Less common causes include:
-
Cancer of the vulva, cervix, vagina, uterus, or fallopian tubes
-
Skin conditions, such as desquamative vaginitis and lichen planus
Tips To Avoid Vaginal Discharge
-
Keep your vaginal area dry, especially after a shower.
-
Instead of towel-drying, use cool air from a hairdryer.
-
-
Try hypoallergenic (and earth-friendly) bamboo toilet paper:
-
Wipe from front to rear after using the toilet.
-
Change wet bathing suits after a swim.
-
Avoid tight-fitting jeans or pantyhose.
-
Urinate after sex.
-
Clean sex toys after each use.
-
Wear ORGANIC 100% cotton underwear. For example, Organic Kid is a reputable brand that produces organic underwear for children and adults.
-
Don't use douches or feminine hygiene products.
-
Avoid hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders down there.
-
Regular bathing is usually adequate to cleanse the vagina. Use gentle soap (like Dr. Bronner's) to clean your body.
-
Avoid synthetic thongs or underwear.
-
Get your sugar checked if you're having recurrent yeast infections.
-
Non-toxic laundry detergent (Molly's Suds, Clean People, or Ecos).
Triggers That Can Cause Vaginal Discharge
-
Antibiotic use
-
Weak immune system
-
Diets high in sugar
-
Uncontrolled diabetes
-
High-estrogen birth control pills
-
Period blood - The pH of blood is just above 7; this raises the vaginal PH.
-
Oral and anal sex
-
IUD's
-
Imbalanced vaginal microbiome
Vulvar Irritation
-
For temporary relief, consider VagiKool feminine cold pack. This can be used to calm down the irritation/infection, no matter what the cause. Anyone who suffers from vulvar irritation should order one of these cool packs. Use it along with medication to treat the infection/irritation.
Antibiotics To Treat Vaginal Infections
-
For yeast infections, antifungal medications are used.
-
Examples: Fluconazole, Terconazole, Lotrisone cream.
-
Brexafemme is new but not widely available.
-
Don't use Monistat-1, it burns, too strong.
-
-
For bacterial or BV infections: Metronidazole, Clindamycin, and Solosec are often used.
-
STDs are treated with antibiotics/antivirals when appropriate.
The Vaginal Microbiome
-
Diversity is good, but not when it comes to the bacteria in your vagina.
-
Just like in your intestines or your mouth, some bacteria live in the vagina.
-
They will always be there, and this is beneficial.
-
You want the "good bacteria" (the Lactobacilli).
-
Good bacteria prevent the growth of harmful pathogens, yeast, and BV.
-
Lactobacilli also help prevent preterm labor and miscarriage.
-
Having less than 90% lactobacilli puts you at risk of vaginal imbalance.
-
When the level of good bacteria is low, the bad bacteria and yeast have room to grow.
-
This can lead to a vaginal infection with discharge.
-
The disruption of your vaginal microbiome may be caused by:
-
Antibiotic treatment.
-
Sexual activity.
- Change in hormone levels
- Pregnancy and menopause.
-
Inadequate personal intimate hygiene.
-
Stressed lifestyle.
-
Use of intra-vaginal products, including douching.
-
Fix Your Microbiome
-
Balance, Nurture and Stabilize Good Vaginal Flora For Healthy Vaginal Tissues
-
Boric acid
-
Probiotics
-
Vitamin C suppositories
-
Boric Acid
-
Boric acid is a weak acid found in volcanic areas in North America and Europe. Its use has been recorded as far back as ancient Greece.
-
This natural supplement is effective at treating medical conditions thanks to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It’s been used for everything from cuts and burns to acne and vaginal infections.
-
Boric acid should NEVER be taken orally! It’s very poisonous if taken orally.
-
Additionally, this should NOT be used by pregnant mothers.
-
You don't need a prescription to get boric acid.
-
Good brands:
Probiotics
-
Improve your gut health with probiotics.
-
The intestinal bacteria and vaginal bacteria are in constant contact. Adding a probiotic for gut health will improve the natural flora in the vagina.
-
Good brands are:
BV Infections That Won't Fully Go Away
-
I use vitamin C suppositories within my practice and have found great success with this treatment, especially in recurrent BV cases.
-
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial it was found that recurrence of BV in women treated with vaginal vitamin C was substantially lower than those in the placebo group at 3 months and 6 months of treatment.
-
Another randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial also found that vitamin C was effective in managing BV.
-
There are over-the-counter vitamin C-based suppositories, such as vH essentials, that work very well.
Yeast That Won't Fully Go Away
-
Recurrent yeast or recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is defined as 3 or more yeast infections in 12 months. Treatment is usually fluconazole (Diflucan) 150 mg orally for 6 months.
-
Vivjoa is a new option for women who are postmenopausal or permanently infertile.
-
Other treatment options:
-
Flucytosine 15.5% vaginal cream, intravaginally administered as 5 g for 14 days.
-
Amphotericin B 50 mg vaginal suppositories for 14 days.
-