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.
-
​
​