It’s important to distinguish between the vaginal infection symptoms and healthy vaginal secretions. The vagina normally produces secretions that cleanse the mucous membranes, maintain a mildly acidic environment, and help to prevent infection. The color and consistency of this discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Following menstruation, when hormone levels are low, there is very little vaginal discharge. As hormone levels increase, the vaginal discharge becomes creamy, and is white or yellow in color. At ovulation, the discharge is clear, gel-like, and stringy, and may be tinged with blood. Following ovulation, the discharge again becomes white or yellow until menstruation.
Most vaginal infections are characterized by burning and itching of the vagina and vulva and an increase in vaginal discharge that may be an unusual color or odor. There may also be redness and swelling of the genitals. The discharge varies according to the type of microorganism causing the problem, and is often a good way to determine the cause of the infection. Always consult your health care practitioner for a definitive diagnosis of the microorganism that is causing an infection. Although many women feel comfortable self-diagnosing a simple yeast infection, it’s always a good idea to consult your health care practitioner to rule out uncommon but serious vaginal infections such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Attempts at self-treating these diseases can result in sterility and even death. In addition, always consult your doctor immediately in the case of symptoms accompanied by pelvic pain or fever, which are signs of possible pelvic inflammatory disease.
With these cautions observed, in the vast majority of cases there are three common organisms that cause most vaginal infections, and all can be treated with natural remedies.
Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract and vagina. It only becomes troublesome when an imbalance allows the organism to overpopulate the vagina. Symptoms include itching, redness, and a white, cottage-cheese like discharge that may have a yeasty odor. This is the most common type of vaginal infection, and almost every women will have at least one yeast infection at some time in life.
There are both internal and external factors that make a woman susceptible to Candida overgrowth. A Candida infection is often caused by antibiotic use, which kills off the friendly flora in the body that normally keep the Candida organism under control. Increased blood sugar levels caused by a high-sugar diet, diabetes, pregnancy, and higher estrogen levels in the pre-menopausal years also make a woman more susceptible to Candida infections. Many women find that they are prone to yeast infections around menstruation, because hormonal fluctuations and menstruation change the vaginal pH. Following menopause, yeast infections are more likely because of decreased hormone levels and a lessening of the production of protective vaginal mucus. External factors that contribute to Candida infections include tight clothing and synthetic underwear, deodorant soaps and feminine hygiene products, and chlorinated hot tubs and swimming pools.
Bacterial vaginosis is the second most common vaginal infection, and is a generic diagnosis for infections caused by organisms other than Candida albicans or trichomonads. Because bacterial vaginosis is usually caused by the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis, it is often referred to as gardnerella. Like Candida, gardnerella is another case of the overgrowth of an organism commonly found in the vagina. Symptoms include a gray or yellowish discharge with a foul or fishy odor. There may also be itching, irritation, lower back pain, and painful urination. Bacterial vaginosis often recurs in women who have been treated with antibiotics. The key is not to try to eradicate the organism, but instead to focus on strengthening the immune system and improving the health of the vagina so that the organism cannot cause problems.
Trichomonas vaginalis is caused by a single-celled protozoan called trichomonad. This is also a common vaginal infection, and will affect about one out of every five women. Symptoms include a yellow or greenish frothy discharge that may be blood-tinged, with a foul or fishy odor. The genitals tend to be swollen and inflamed, with burning and itching. If the organism infects the bladder, it can cause frequent, burning urination. However, some women have no symptoms at all and only discover that they have the infection during a routine gynecological exam. Trichomonas is thought to be transmitted sexually, but it can take years to develop after exposure. It is more difficult to treat than a yeast infection, but will generally respond to a concentrated treatment program that includes infection-fighting and immune-building herbs.
